Why you should keep life insurance out of your estate
March 24, 2020 Knowledge Center
Why you should keep life insurance out of your estate

If you have a life insurance policy, you probably want to make sure that the life insurance benefits your family will receive after your death won’t be included in your estate. That way, the benefits won’t be subject to the federal estate tax. Under the estate tax rules, life insurance will be included in your […]

Fraudsters are using COVID-19 to swindle Americans
March 23, 2020 COVID-19
Fraudsters are using COVID-19 to swindle Americans

As governments around the globe mobilize to defend their populations from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), criminals are also mobilizing — to defraud people. These opportunists have already found ways to use the fear and chaos associated with the pandemic to enrich themselves. But you can protect yourself and your business. Ripe opportunity Phishing emails that […]

FILING DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 15
March 21, 2020 COVID-19
FILING DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 15

Late yesterday, the IRS issued a new Notice that changes the previous payment relief and provides new filing relief for taxpayers. Now: For any person (defined as an individual, trust, estate, partnership, association, company or corporation) with a Federal income tax payment or a Federal income tax return due April 15, 2020, the due date […]

Home is where the tax breaks might be
March 18, 2020 Knowledge Center
Home is where the tax breaks might be

If you own a home, the interest you pay on your home mortgage may provide a tax break. However, many people believe that any interest paid on their home mortgage loans and home equity loans is deductible. Unfortunately, that’s not true. First, keep in mind that you must itemize deductions in order to take advantage of the […]

Reasons why married couples might want to file separate tax returns
March 16, 2020 Knowledge Center
Reasons why married couples might want to file separate tax returns

Married couples often wonder whether they should file joint or separate tax returns. The answer depends on your individual tax situation. It generally depends on which filing status results in the lowest tax. But keep in mind that, if you and your spouse file a joint return, each of you is “jointly and severally” liable […]

If you’re planning to move overseas, it’s time for an estate plan review
March 16, 2020 Knowledge Center
If you’re planning to move overseas, it’s time for an estate plan review

Whether you’re moving to another country for work-related reasons, retirement or simply want an opportunity to experience a new culture, it’s important to understand the potential tax and estate planning implications. If you don’t, you could be hit with some unpleasant surprises. Here are three possible pitfalls: Double taxation. If you’re a citizen of the United […]

Coronavirus may affect financial reporting
March 13, 2020 COVID-19
Coronavirus may affect financial reporting

The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak — officially a pandemic as of March 11 — has prompted global health concerns. But you also may be worried about how it will affect your business and its financial statements for 2019 and beyond. Close up on financial reporting The duration and full effects of the COVID-19 outbreak are yet unknown, but […]

Caught in the Middle
March 11, 2020 Knowledge Center
Caught in the Middle

  ____________________________________ We highly recommend you confer with your Miller Kaplan advisor to understand your specific situation and how this may impact you.

Tax credits may help with the high cost of raising children
March 10, 2020 Knowledge Center
Tax credits may help with the high cost of raising children

If you’re a parent, or if you’re planning on having children, you know that it’s expensive to pay for their food, clothes, activities and education. Fortunately, there’s a tax credit available for taxpayers with children under the age of 17, as well as a dependent credit for older children. Recent tax law changes Changes made […]

The tax aspects of selling mutual fund shares
March 10, 2020 Knowledge Center
The tax aspects of selling mutual fund shares

Perhaps you’re an investor in mutual funds or you’re interested in putting some money into them. You’re not alone. The Investment Company Institute estimates that 56.2 million households owned mutual funds in mid-2017. But despite their popularity, the tax rules involved in selling mutual fund shares can be complex. Tax basics If you sell appreciated […]

Inheriting property? Be aware of the basis consistency rules
March 5, 2020 Knowledge Center
Inheriting property? Be aware of the basis consistency rules

If you’re in line to inherit property from a parent or other loved one, it’s critical to understand the basis consistency rules. Current tax law, passed in 2015, provides that the income tax basis of property received from a deceased person can’t exceed the property’s fair market value (FMV) as finally determined for estate tax […]

What Landlords Should Know About Taxes
February 27, 2020 Knowledge Center
What Landlords Should Know About Taxes

  ____________________________________ We highly recommend you confer with your Miller Kaplan advisor to understand your specific situation and how this may impact you.