Many people are more concerned about their 2022 tax bills than they are about their 2023 tax situations. That’s because 2022 individual tax returns are due to be filed in 10 weeks. However, it’s a good time to acquaint yourself with tax amounts for this year, many of which have increased substantially due to inflation. […]
Author Archive | James B. Reynolds
Retirement plan early withdrawals: Make sure you meet the requirements to avoid a penalty
Many people are more concerned about their 2022 tax bills than they are about their 2023 tax situations. That’s because 2022 individual tax returns are due to be filed in 10 weeks. However, it’s a good time to acquaint yourself with tax amounts for this year, many of which have increased substantially due to inflation. […]
Why you might want to file early and answers to other tax season questions
The IRS opened the 2023 individual income tax return filing season on Jan. 23. Even if you usually don’t file until closer to the mid-April deadline (or you file an extension), you may want to file early. It can potentially protect you from tax identity theft. In these scams, a thief uses another person’s personal […]
Tax-saving ways to help pay for college — once your child starts attending
If you have a child or grandchild in college, there are tax breaks you may be able to claim after the child begins attending. For example, you can take the American Opportunity Tax Credit of up to $2,500 per student for the first four years of college, a 100% credit for the first $2,000 in […]
Tax-wise ways to save for college
If you’re a parent with college-bound children, you may want to save for future college costs. There may be tax-favored ways to save. For example, 529 plans allow you to make contributions to an account set up to meet a child’s education expenses. Contributions aren’t deductible and are treated as taxable gifts to the child. […]
SECURE 2.0 law may make you more secure in retirement
The SECURE 2.0 Act, which was signed into law on Dec. 29, 2022, will help many Americans save more for retirement. However, many of the provisions don’t kick in for a few years. One provision that does take effect this year is an increase in the age for beginning required minimum distributions (RMDs). Employer-sponsored qualified […]
Renting to a relative? Watch out for tax traps
If you rent a home you own to a relative, there may be tax consequences. Renting out a home you own may result in a tax loss for you even if the rental income is more than your operating costs. You’re entitled to a depreciation deduction for your cost of the home (except for the […]
Save for retirement by getting the most out of your 401(k) plan
Does your employer offer a 401(k) plan? If so, contributing to it is a wise way to build a substantial nest egg. If you’re not already contributing the maximum allowed, consider increasing the amount. With a 401(k), an employee elects to have a certain amount of pay deferred and contributed by an employer on his […]
Selling stock by year-end? Watch out for the wash sale rule
Are you thinking about selling stock at a loss to offset gains that have been realized during 2022? If so, it’s important to be careful of the “wash sale” rule. Under this rule, if you sell stock or securities for a loss and buy substantially identical stock or securities back within the 30-day period before […]
Answers to your questions about taking withdrawals from IRAs
As you may know, you can’t keep funds in your traditional IRA indefinitely. You must start taking withdrawals from a traditional IRA (including a SIMPLE IRA or SEP IRA) when you reach age 72. You must take your first RMD by April 1 of the year following the year in which you turn 72, regardless […]
