Stock market swings may bring fortune or fear, so investors shouldn’t forget about the helpful balance of bonds. Perhaps the most “user friendly” is a U.S. government savings bond. Buying one means you’re essentially lending the federal government money at a certain interest rate in exchange for a future return. U.S. savings bonds don’t offer […]
3 things to know after filing your tax return Most people feel a sense of relief after filing their tax returns. But even if you’ve successfully filed your 2020 return with the IRS, there may still be some issues to bear in mind. Here are three important things to know: You can check on your […]
With the economy expected to improve in the months or quarters ahead, many business owners and entrepreneurs may decide to launch new enterprises. If you’re among them, be aware that the way you handle some of your initial expenses can make a large difference in your tax bill. General rules Start-up costs include those incurred […]
Trusts can be a useful tool for affluent individuals and families when it comes to wealth management, protection and growth. But there are a wide variety to choose from, so it’s important to clearly understand the benefits and limits of a trust before choosing any one type. What’s a trust? A trust is a legal […]
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) was announced as public law (P.L. 117-2) Section 5003, which appropriated $28.6 billion for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to award as funding to restaurants, bars, and other similar places of business that serve food or drink. Recipients are not required to repay the […]
Investors have long grappled with the conundrum of whether to opt for a traditional or Roth IRA. One factor that might tip the scales toward a Roth is a downturn in the value of your investments. If you have a traditional IRA, a decline may provide a valuable opportunity to convert your traditional IRA to […]
Over the last year, many companies have experienced “workforce fluctuations.” If your business has engaged independent contractors to address staffing needs, be careful that these workers are properly classified for federal tax purposes. Tax obligations The question of whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee for federal income and employment tax purposes is […]
Whether you’ve filed your 2020 tax return or soon will, you probably don’t want any surprises. One thing that takes many older people off-guard is getting taxed on their Social Security benefits. Will you be taxed and how much will you have to pay? That depends on your other income. If you’re taxed, between 50% […]
The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA), signed into law late last year, contains a multitude of provisions that may affect individuals. For example, if you’re planning to fund a college education or in the midst of paying for one, the CAA covers two important areas: Student loans. The CARES Act temporarily halted collections on defaulted loans, […]
On Tuesday, March 30, the Internal Revenue Service provided another deadline postponement for taxpayers making certain contributions. In extending the deadline to file Form 1040 series returns to May 17, 2021 the IRS is postponing to the same date the time for individuals to make the following 2020 contributions: Individual retirement arrangements (IRAs and Roth […]
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