How will the 2025 inflation adjustment numbers affect your year-end tax planning?
November 1, 2024 Knowledge Center
How will the 2025 inflation adjustment numbers affect your year-end tax planning?

The IRS has issued its 2025 inflation adjustment numbers for more than 60 tax provisions in Revenue Procedure 2024-40. Inflation has moderated somewhat this year over last, so many amounts will increase over 2024 but not as much as in the previous year. Take these 2025 numbers into account as you implement 2024 year-end tax planning […]

Is your money-losing activity a hobby or a business?
October 29, 2024 Knowledge Center
Is your money-losing activity a hobby or a business?

Let’s say you have an unincorporated sideline activity that you consider a business. Perhaps you offer photography services, create custom artwork or sell handmade items online. Will the IRS agree that your venture is a business, not a hobby? It’s an essential question for tax purposes. If the expenses from an activity exceed the revenues, […]

Making defined-value gifts may benefit your estate plan
October 23, 2024 Knowledge Center
Making defined-value gifts may benefit your estate plan

Time is running out to take advantage of the current federal gift and estate tax exemption ($13.61 million for 2024). Absent action from Congress, the amount will drop to an inflation-adjusted $5 million in 2026. One way to make the most of the current record-high exemption amount is to give substantial gifts to your loved ones, thus reducing the […]

Employers should familiarize themselves with wage and hour audits
October 22, 2024 Knowledge Center
Employers should familiarize themselves with wage and hour audits

Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new final rule on the minimum annual salary threshold that partly determines whether employees are exempt from overtime pay. Under the final rule, the threshold increased on July 1 from a $35,568 annual salary amount to $43,888. It will rise again to $58,656 on […]

Turnaround acquisitions are risky growth opportunities for today’s companies
October 18, 2024 Knowledge Center
Turnaround acquisitions are risky growth opportunities for today’s companies

When it comes to growth, businesses have two broad options. First, there’s organic growth — that is, progress made through internal efforts such as boosting sales, expanding into other markets, innovating new products or services, and improving operational efficiency. Second, there’s inorganic growth, which is achieved through externally focused activities such as mergers and acquisitions […]

Taking the mystery out of the probate process
October 17, 2024 Knowledge Center
Taking the mystery out of the probate process

Few estate planning subjects are as misunderstood as probate. Its biggest downside, and the one that grabs the most attention, is the fact that probate is public. Indeed, anyone who’s interested can find out what assets you owned and how they’re being distributed after your death. And because of its public nature, the probate process […]

Ease the financial pain of natural disasters with tax relief
October 14, 2024 Knowledge Center
Ease the financial pain of natural disasters with tax relief

Hurricane Milton has caused catastrophic damage to many parts of Florida. Less than two weeks earlier, Hurricane Helene victimized millions of people in multiple states across the southeastern portion of the country. The two devastating storms are among the many weather-related disasters this year. Indeed, natural disasters have led to significant losses for many taxpayers, […]

How market uncertainty can affect business value
October 4, 2024 Knowledge Center
How market uncertainty can affect business value

Businesses face uncertain conditions today, including geopolitical and cybersecurity risks, inflation concerns, environmental issues, and a lack of clarity about future tax laws and interest rates. Here’s an overview of how business valuation professionals factor these kinds of issues into their value conclusions. Market analysis Before crunching the numbers, valuators must fully understand the market […]

Taxes take center stage in the 2024 presidential campaign
October 2, 2024 Knowledge Center
Taxes take center stage in the 2024 presidential campaign

Early voting for the 2024 election has already kicked off in some states, but voters are still seeking additional information on the candidates’ platforms, including their tax proposals. The details can be hard to come by — and additional proposals continue to emerge from the candidates. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable […]

Make year-end tax planning moves before it’s too late!
September 27, 2024 Knowledge Center
Make year-end tax planning moves before it’s too late!

With the arrival of fall, it’s an ideal time to begin implementing strategies that could reduce your tax burden for both this year and next. One of the first planning steps is to ascertain whether you’ll take the standard deduction or itemize deductions for 2024. You may not itemize because of the high 2024 standard […]

A spendthrift trust can act as a wealth preserver
September 20, 2024 Knowledge Center
A spendthrift trust can act as a wealth preserver

Tax planning is only a small component of estate planning — and usually not even the most important one for most people. The primary goal of estate planning is to protect your family, and saving taxes is just one of many strategies you can use to provide for your family’s financial security. Another equally important […]

6 tax-free income opportunities
September 10, 2024 Knowledge Center
6 tax-free income opportunities

Believe it or not, there are ways to collect tax-free income and gains. Here are some of the best opportunities to put money in your pocket without current federal income tax implications: Roth IRAs offer tax-free income accumulation and withdrawals. Unlike withdrawals from traditional IRAs, qualified Roth IRA withdrawals are free from federal income tax. A […]