Tax Preparation
2020 First Quarter (Q1) Market Commentary
Most economic slowdowns occur over time with a slow deterioration of Employment, Consumer Confidence, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Companies generally tighten their belts and the Fed and Government make monetary and fiscal policy changes to help soften the blow and eventually we come back slowly. It’s called the business cycle. We have been going…
Read MoreClient Alert: Coronavirus and Market Conditions – A Note from Tom & Tim
Over the weekend, oil prices dropped by about 20-30% as Saudi Arabia slashed its export oil price likely starting a price war with Russia. This spooked the markets which were already on edge with the spread of the Coronavirus. As a result, we saw the stock market drop 7% at the open this morning and the…
Read MoreThere’s Still Time to Contribute to an IRA for 2019 Taxes
Even though the tax filing season is well underway, there’s still time to make a regular IRA contribution for 2019. You have until your tax return due date (not including extensions) to contribute up to $6,000 for 2019 ($7,000 if you were age 50 or older on December 31, 2019). For most taxpayers, the contribution…
Read MoreWhat do I need to know about the new RMD rules?
When do the new RMD Rules start? Do I need to take my RMD if I turned 70 1/2 before 12/31/2019? Do I need to take my RMD if I turned 70 1/2 on or after 1/1/2020 but already took my RMD in 2019? When do I need to take my RMD under the new…
Read MoreAll about IRAs for 2020
An individual retirement arrangement (IRA) is a personal retirement savings plan that offers specific tax benefits. In fact, IRAs are one of the most powerful retirement savings tools available to you. Even if you’re contributing to a 401(k) or other plans at work, you might also consider investing in an IRA. What types of IRAs…
Read MoreYear-End Tax Tips for 2019
Immediate and Long-Term Tax Planning Tips Over the last two years, we have seen many individual tax changes that may have reduced some deductions, increased others and dramatically changed your tax return. There are still a number of tax planning strategies available and in this letter, we will remind you of a few. 401k The…
Read MoreGift and Estate Taxes
If you give away money or property during your life, those transfers may be subject to federal gift and estate tax and perhaps state gift tax. The money and property you own when you die (i.e., your estate) may also be subject to federal gift and estate tax and some form of state death tax.…
Read MoreEstate Planning: An Introduction
By definition, estate planning is a process designed to help you manage and preserve your assets while you are alive, and to conserve and control their distribution after your death according to your goals and objectives. But what estate planning means to you specifically depends on who you are. Your age, health, wealth, lifestyle, life…
Read MoreAm I Having Enough Withheld?
If you fail to estimate your federal income tax withholding properly, it may cost you in a variety of ways. If you receive an income tax refund, it essentially means that you provided the IRS with an interest-free loan during the year. By comparison, if you owe taxes when you file your return, you may…
Read MoreShould I Itemize or Take the Standard Deduction on my 2018 Tax Return?
If you live in the State of Maryland and several other high income tax states you may have a higher tax liability by taking the higher standard deduction under the new 2018 tax law (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – TCJA) instead of itemizing your deductions even if they are lower than the new standard…
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