News

Asset Allocation Adjustments Review the asset allocation of your portfolio. Increases and decreases in the value of your portfolio can upset the asset allocation you consider optimal. Should you shift some stock investments into or out of bond investments? Should you shift some funds into tax-free investments? Health Spending...

Whether you roll the dice, bet on the ponies, play cards or enjoy slot machines, you should know that as a casual gambler, your gambling winnings are fully taxable and must be reported on your income tax return. You can also deduct your gambling losses…but only up to the...

Millions of Americans forfeit critical tax relief each year by failing to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit for low-to-moderate-income individuals who work. Taxpayers who qualify and claim the credit could owe less federal tax, owe no tax, or even receive a refund. The...

A tax deduction reduces the amount of your taxable income and generally reduces the amount of taxes you may have to pay. If you are able to itemize your deductions on your tax return instead of claiming the standard deduction, you may be able to claim certain miscellaneous deductions....

If you moved–or are planning to move–this year to start a new job you may be able to deduct certain moving-related expenses on your tax return. You may be able to deduct these expenses even if you kept the same job but moved to a different location. 1. Expenses...

Millions of Americans have hobbies such as sewing, woodworking, fishing, gardening, stamp and coin collecting, but when that hobby starts to turn a profit, it might just be considered a business by the IRS. Definition of a Hobby vs a Business The IRS defines a hobby as an activity...

A trust, like a corporation, is an entity that exists only on paper but is legally capable of owning property. However, a live person called the trustee must be in charge of the property. Further, you can actually be the trustee of your own living trust, keeping full control...

Lending money to a cash-strapped family member or friend is a noble and generous offer that just might make a difference. But before you hand over the cash, you need to plan ahead to avoid tax complications down the road. Let’s say you decide to loan $5,000 to your...

With hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters affecting so many people throughout the US this year, many have been left wondering how they’re going to pay for the cleanup or when their businesses will be able to reopen. The good news is that there is some relief...

Note: September due dates were extended to January 2013 for areas impacted by Hurricane Isaac. See article “Tax Relief for Those Affected By Natural Disasters” in this newsletter. October 10 Employees who work for tips – If you received $20 or more in tips during September, report them to...

Donations made to qualified organizations may help reduce the amount of tax you pay. With that in mind, here are eight tips to help ensure your contributions pay off on your tax return. 1. If your goal is a legitimate tax deduction, then your charitable contributions, whether a cash...

Military personnel and their families face unique life challenges with their duties, expenses and transitions. As such, active members of the U.S. Armed Forces should be aware of all the special tax benefits that are available to them. 1. Moving Expenses. If you are a member of the Armed Forces...