Generally, each year you can contribute up to the annual limit to a traditional or Roth IRA (or a combination of the two). But once the contribution deadline has passed, the opportunity to contribute for that year is lost forever. The deadline for 2025 IRA contributions is April 15, 2026. You may be eligible to […]
Saving taxes probably isn’t your primary reason for supporting your favorite charities. But tax deductions can be a valuable added benefit. If you donate long-term appreciated stock, you potentially can save even more. Not just a deduction Appreciated publicly traded stock you’ve held more than one year is long-term capital gains property. If you donate
Boost your tax savings by donating appreciated stock instead of cash Read More »
Do you and your spouse together operate a profitable unincorporated small business? If so, you face some challenging tax issues. The partnership issue An unincorporated business with your spouse is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, unless you can avoid that treatment. Otherwise, you must file an annual partnership return using Form 1065.
Run a business with your spouse? You may encounter unique tax issues Read More »
Stock, mutual fund and ETF prices have bounced around lately. If you make what turns out to be an ill-fated investment in a taxable brokerage firm account, the good news is that you may be able to harvest a tax-saving capital loss by selling the loser security. However, for federal income tax purposes, the wash
The “wash sale” rule: Don’t let losses circle the drain Read More »
As the end of the year approaches, many people start to think about their finances and tax strategies. One effective way to reduce potential estate taxes and show generosity to loved ones is by giving cash gifts before December 31. Under tax law, you can gift a certain amount each year without incurring gift taxes or
Maximize your year-end giving with gifts that offer tax benefits Read More »
If you have a tax-saving flexible spending account (FSA) with your employer to help pay for health or dependent care expenses, there’s an important date coming up. You may have to use the money in the account by year-end or you’ll lose it (unless your employer has a grace period). As the end of 2023
Don’t forget to empty out your flexible spending account Read More »
In the midst of holiday parties and shopping for gifts, don’t forget to consider steps to cut the 2023 tax liability for your business. You still have time to take advantage of a few opportunities. Time deductions and income. If your business operates on a cash basis, you can significantly affect your amount of taxable
There still may be time to reduce your small business 2023 tax bill Read More »
Have you bought stock in a company that later dropped in value? While you may prefer to forget such an ill-fated investment, at least you can claim a capital loss deduction on your tax return. Here are the rules that apply when a stock you own is sold at a loss or becomes completely worthless.
Claiming losses on depreciated or worthless stock Read More »
Socking away money in a tax-advantaged retirement plan can help you reduce taxes and help secure a comfortable retirement. If your employer offers a 401(k) or Roth 401(k), contributing to the plan is a smart way to build a substantial nest egg. If you’re not already contributing the maximum allowed, consider increasing your contribution. Because
Save for retirement by getting the most out of your 401(k) plan Read More »
No one needs to remind business owners that the cost of employee health care benefits keeps going up. One way to provide some of these benefits is through an employer-sponsored Health Savings Account (HSA). For eligible individuals, an HSA offers a tax-advantaged way to set aside funds (or have their employers do so) to meet
2023 limits for businesses that have HSAs — or want to establish them Read More »