Last year's tax law extended the "charitable IRA rollover" rule through the end of 2011. Taxpayers who are 70-1/2 or older may make tax-free distributions of up to $100,000 directly to a charity from their IRA. The rollover fulfills the
Read moreA number of tax breaks are due to expire at the end of this year. Though Congress may renew some or all of them, there is no way of knowing if or when they will. As part of your year-end
Read moreSome gifts are big, others are small - and the Internal Revenue Service expects you to report them all....or do they? Gift giving can be an important tax planning strategy. This year, a slowing economy might lead you to help
Read moreROBS is an acronym for a relatively new financing arrangement known as a "rollover as business startup" being touted on the Internet and arranged by some investment firms. Typically a ROBS works like this: You pay a fee to a
Read moreHave you heard about solo 401(k) plans? The traditional type of 401(k) retirement plan is now available for self-employed individuals...and it lets you save more than other types of plans. In the past, 401(k) plans were typically offered by larger
Read moreSuccession planning is very important for a family-owned business. Before you sit down with your tax and legal advisors to draw up a succession plan, you should think through three key issues: who do you want to succeed you, when
Read moreImportant tax deadlines fall on September 15. Check this list to see if any apply to you or your business. The third quarter installment of 2011 estimated income tax is due for individuals. September 15 is the filing deadline for
Read moreWhen was the last time you reviewed your insurance coverage? An annual insurance review makes good financial sense. Here are points to consider as you review your various insurance policies. Health care. If you have an individual policy, investigate whether
Read moreAre you considering post-retirement employment? If you're collecting Social Security and thinking of returning to the work force, you may have questions about how your earnings will affect the taxability of your Social Security benefits. The answer: Under current law,
Read moreIf you provide care for stray or feral animals in your home for an IRS-approved charity, you may be able to take a tax deduction for your out-of-pocket expenses. A recent U.S. Tax Court judge ruled that a taxpayer who
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