The tax reform legislation recently passed by Congress significantly changes the landscape for individuals beginning January 1, 2018, and continuing for many years come. For many taxpayers, the changes made by the legislation present a host of tax planning challenges and opportunities going forward. Due to the elimination or limitation on itemized deductions, and the […]
Year-End Gifts To Charity
As we approach the end of the year, many of our clients have asked us questions about year-end gifts to charity. The IRS gives us some good guidance in IR-2015-134. They have even included some reminders that I’ve copied below: Qualified charities. Check that the charity is eligible. Only donations to eligible organizations are tax-deductible. […]
National Tax Security Awareness Week
As we enter into the busy holiday online shopping season, tax agencies around the country encourage us to be safe with our personal information. The IRS issued a news release IR-2017-193 which outlines the following seven steps for online safety: Shop at familiar online retailers. Avoid unprotected WiFi, and do not click on links from […]
Happy Thanksgiving from Geenen & Kolean
We are thankful for you, and appreciate your business!
Tax On Income Investments
Many investors, especially more risk-averse ones, hold much of their portfolios in “income investments” — those that pay interest or dividends, with less emphasis on growth in value. But all income investments aren’t alike when it comes to taxes. So it’s important to be aware of the different tax treatments when managing your income investments. […]
Tax-Advantaged Health Accounts
On October 12, an executive order was signed that, among other things, seeks to expand Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs). HRAs are just one type of tax-advantaged account you can provide your employees to help fund their health care expenses. Also available are Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Which one should you […]
Timing Strategies Could Become More Powerful In 2017
Projecting your business income and expenses for this year and next can allow you to time when you recognize income and incur deductible expenses to your tax advantage. Typically, it’s better to defer tax. This might end up being especially true this year, if tax reform legislation is signed into law. Timing strategies for businesses […]
Tax Advantages Of A 529 Savings Plan
With kids back in school, it’s a good time for parents (and grandparents) to think about college funding. One option, which can be especially beneficial if the children in question still have many years until they’ll be starting their higher education, is a Section 529 plan. Tax-deferred compounding 529 plans are generally state-sponsored, and the […]
Donating Real Property To Charity
Charitable giving allows you to help an organization you care about and, in most cases, enjoy a valuable income tax deduction. If you’re considering a large gift, a noncash donation such as appreciated real estate can provide additional benefits. For example, if you’ve held the property for more than one year, you generally will be […]
Estate and Gift Taxes
Among the taxes that are being considered for repeal as part of tax reform legislation is the estate tax. This tax applies to transfers of wealth at death, hence why it’s commonly referred to as the “death tax.” Its sibling, the gift tax — also being considered for repeal — applies to transfers during life. […]