TAX BLOG
Turning Investments into Tax Deductions
As the end of the year approaches, you may be looking for ways to lower 2019 taxes. With the stock market near record highs, you may also be sitting on significant unrealized capital gains. This may be the perfect time to turn your investments into tax deductions....
When should I start taking Social Security?
When to begin receiving your Social Security benefits is one of the most important decisions you will make in retirement. Many factors such as your health, financial position and desire to continue working will come into play when making this decision. The amount of...
Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early?
In many cases, the answer to this question is a resounding YES. Eliminating debt is a worthy goal and a key factor in building wealth. Removing that monthly obligation will free up funds that can be used to build up your retirement nest egg. There is also an...
Tax Reform Tames the AMT
Everyone hates the Alternative Minimum Tax or AMT. The AMT requires that you calculate your tax bill under a different set of rules and deductions, compare that number to your regular tax, and pay the larger of the two. This decades-old measure was originally enacted...
A new twist on the “Kiddie tax”
One part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that has not received a lot of attention is the change of calculation for the so-called “kiddie tax”. This tax applies to children who have unearned income in excess of $2,100. The kiddie tax applies to children age 18 and under...
REITS & Tax Reform
An investment vehicle that may be worth a second look in the wake of tax reform is Real Estate Investment Trusts or REITs. REITs are corporations that primarily invest in real estate and produce income from rental properties or from buying and selling properties. ...