Why Your IRA Administrator Should Understand Taxes, Not Just Paperwork
Here's a question most people never think to ask when choosing a self-directed IRA administrator: does anyone at this firm actually understand taxes? It sounds almost silly. An IRA is a tax-advantaged account. Surely everyone in the industry understands the tax side,...
Disability Benefits May Have Income Tax Consequences You Don’t Expect
Disability insurance is a valuable benefit provided by many employers. It replaces a portion of the insured person’s income — typically 45% to 65% of pre-disability earnings — after a specified waiting period that starts when the person becomes disabled (as defined by...
The Quiet Season: 5 Things to Check on Your IRA Before Fall Gets Busy
Every IRA has a rhythm to it. Spring belongs to tax season. Winter belongs to year-end deadlines, valuations, and required distributions. And the fourth quarter, as anyone who has scrambled through one knows, has a way of arriving faster than expected. But August?...
Retirement Isn’t an Exit: Why the Best Investors Never Really Stop
Picture the classic retirement commercial. A couple walks a beach at sunset. Someone tees off on an empty golf course. A sailboat drifts by, presumably purchased with decades of disciplined index fund contributions. Now be honest: does any of that actually sound like...
Could The New Markets Tax Credit Benefit Your Business?
Businesses in economically distressed communities often have difficulty obtaining capital for expansion, equipment, facilities and other investments. The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) encourages private investment in these underserved areas by offering federal income...
Your IRA Just Bought a House: How Real Estate Inside a Retirement Account Actually Works
If you've ever walked through a property and thought, "I understand this investment better than anything in my 401(k)," you're not alone. For many real estate professionals and experienced investors, the stock market feels abstract while a rental property feels...
Be Tax-Smart With Your Mutual Fund Investments
Mutual funds offer an easy way to invest in a diversified portfolio compared to buying individual stocks and bonds. But the tax treatment of mutual funds isn’t so simple. How Are Mutual Funds Taxed? If you sell appreciated mutual fund shares, the resulting profit will...
How What You Donate Impacts Your Tax Deductions
Have you already made contributions to charity this year? Are you considering making more between now and year end? If so, it’s important to be familiar with the tax rules for different types of donations so you can maximize your tax benefit — or at least avoid...
Before You Spend Lottery, Gambling or Other Winnings, Understand The Tax Rules
It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But federal tax law generally treats lottery prizes, gambling winnings and other awards as taxable income. Knowing the basic rules can help you avoid surprises when you file your 2026 return next year. Lottery Prizes...
Selecting A Tax Accounting Method For Your Small Business
Small business owners must answer an important question: Should we use the cash or accrual accounting method for federal income tax purposes? Larger entities are required to use the accrual method. But certain small businesses can elect to use the cash method. You may...