Manage the Tax on Your Social Security Benefits!

Social Security (SS) income is not taxable until a taxpayer’s AGI (without Social Security income) plus 50% of their Social Security income plus tax-exempt interest income, and plus certain other infrequently encountered additions exceeds a specific threshold. The threshold is $32,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly, zero for married taxpayers filing separately and $25,000 for […]

Getting Older With No Retirement Savings in Sight?

One of the earliest lessons in life is that actions have consequences, and approaching retirement age without a substantial nest egg is one of those consequences. But if you are in this situation, you are not alone, as millions of other Americans are faced with the same need to save enough to retire comfortably. Our […]

Did You Take an Early Distribution from Your Retirement Plan?

In today’s economy, some taxpayers may need to take money out of their retirement plans to make ends meet. If you have or are contemplating on taking a distribution, there are some very important and unexpected tax issues you need to be aware of. Withdrawals from tax-deferred retirement accounts, such as Traditional IRAs are generally […]

Plan Your Withholding & Estimates for 2011

April 18 is the due date for the first estimated tax installment for the 2011 tax year and only a couple of weeks away. You may not realize it, but taking a few minutes to plan your estimated tax payments and/or proper withholding amounts for the year can actually insulate you from underpayment penalties in […]

Tax Filing Deadline Rapidly Approaching

Just a reminder to those who have not yet filed their 2010 tax return that April 18, 2011 is the due date to either file your return and pay any taxes owed, or file for the automatic six-month extension and pay the tax you estimate to be due.  Normally the deadline is April 15, but […]

2011 Required Minimum IRA Distributions

Now that the New Year is here, you can begin taking your required minimum distribution (RMD) for 2011. The following is an overview of the rules regarding these mandated distributions for older taxpayers. The IRS does not allow IRA owners to keep funds in a Traditional IRA indefinitely. Eventually, assets must be distributed and taxes […]