The IRS generally considers whether you’re married, separated but not legally separated, or divorced at the end of the year. Marriage status is important in filing taxes; it not only determines filing requirements but also standard deductions, eligibility for certain credits and taxes as well. In fact, you may have to deal with multiple government […]
At the end of December, the IRS announced standard mileage rates for 2025. Below are the deductions, if you are using an automobile for approved purposes: Self-employed and business: 70 cents/mile (up from 67 cents in 2024) Charities: 14 cents/mile (unchanged from 2024) Medical: 21 cents/mile (unchanged from 2024) Moving (military only): 21 cents/mile (unchanged from 2024) It […]
In a December 2024 release, the IRS said it was continuing to improve taxpayer services to help people prepare for tax season with more digital tools and options available. Even though you’re working with a tax pro, there are things you can do in advance to help yourself. The IRS’s Get Ready page on IRS.gov offers practical […]
You will probably have an initial meeting before you sign on the dotted line. You may spend about an hour together discussing your goals and concerns and specific questions. It might be by video, but it more typically takes place at the adviser’s office. Above all, do not be intimidated, whatever your limits of financial […]
Your max contributions to 401(k) plans for 2025 increase to $23,500, up from $23,000 for 2024, according to the IRS. The tax agency also issued technical guidance regarding cost-of-living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2025. The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains $7,000. The […]
The following is not a comprehensive list of all changes, but a summary of key adjustments that will affect a wide range of taxpayers: Standard deductions. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately for tax year 2025, the standard deduction rises to $15,000 for 2025, an increase of $400 from 2024. For married couples filing […]
The Fed has decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 1/2 percentage point (50 basis points). In a statement, the Fed said that it “has gained greater confidence that inflation is moving sustainably toward 2 percent, and judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are roughly […]
The Secure 2.0 Act allows for features in employer retirement plans to encourage their use. The changes are designed to encourage employees to contribute to 401(k) or 403(b) plans, allowing you to offer small financial incentives to employees. If employers use a little financial motivation, it’s considered part of employees’ income and is subject to […]
It’s long been a policy that employees are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum wage and overtime protections if they are employed in a bona fide executive, administrative or professional capacity. To fall within this EAP exemption, an employee generally must meet three tests, according to the DOL. Be paid a salary, meaning […]
Incentive trusts, like other trusts, are established by a grantor who names a trustee and funds the trust with the grantor’s assets. The difference between incentive trusts and other trusts is that distributions are made only when a beneficiary achieves certain contingencies — such as attaining a college degree or getting married — that are […]