News

Home office setup with desk, chair, storage shelving and a plant.

Tax Advice: Can You Deduct Home Office Expenses?

January 23, 2018

You might be able to deduct home office expenses for 2017, but not 2018. The difference may depend on whether you’re an employee or self-employed.

Graphic of a glacier, above and below water line

Tax Advice: Personal Exemptions, Standard Deductions & Tax Credits...Oh My!

January 17, 2018

It’s the total impact of the TCJA’s reduced tax rates and other changes that will determine whether your tax liability drops for 2018. Changes to the personal exemption, standard
deduction and child credit are just the tip of the iceberg.

Blow arrow pointing down, "Individual tax rates"

Tax Advice: Most Individual Tax Rates Go Down Under the TCJA

January 2, 2018

With a couple of exceptions, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces individual tax rates. But what will YOUR 2018 rate be?

Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building lit up with the moon in the sky, "TCJA and You"

Tax Advice: Key Provisions Affecting Individuals in New Tax Law

January 1, 2018

For individual taxpayers, most Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions will apply only for 2018 through 2025. But they’ll generally have a big impact during that time.

Short jar full of $100 bills next to "Retirement" jar full of coins

Tax Advice: 401(k) Contribution Limit Increases for '18

December 22, 2017

The contribution limits for a couple of types of tax-advantaged retirement plans have gone up for 2018. How much should you contribute?

Gloved hands holding a red heart, "Year-end charitable giving"

Tax Advice: What to Know About 2017 Year-End Charitable Giving

December 12, 2017

The charitable donation deduction hasn’t been proposed for elimination or reduction under tax reform, but there still are reasons to maximize charitable giving this year. Just be
sure to follow the rules.

Tax Advice: 7 Last-Minute Tax-Saving Tips

December 6, 2017

The possibility of tax reform being signed into law this year makes tax planning more challenging. But it also could make these tried-and-true year-end tax planning tips extra
powerful in 2017.

African American family of three smiling for picture.

Tax Advice: You vs. Your Family When It Comes to the Long-term Capital Gains Rate

December 5, 2017

Even if your income is high, your family may be able to benefit from the 0% long-term capital gains rate.

A to do list, "Take 2017 RMDS" next to a cup of cocoa.

Tax Advice: When to Add RMDs to Your Year-End To-Dos

November 21, 2017

Taxpayers who have a retirement plan and are over age 70½ or inherited the plan may be subject to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules. If you’re one of them, take your RMDs by Dec. 31 to avoid a 50% penalty.

"Property Tax" sign propped next to cardboard house.

Tax Advice: Why Accelerate Your Property Tax Payment Into 2017

November 15, 2017

Smart timing of deductible expenses can reduce your tax liability, and poor timing can unnecessarily increase it. Should you prepay property tax on your home to accelerate your deduction into 2017?

Wooden blocks that spell out "AMT" in front of a roll of money and a calculator.

Tax Advice: Could the AMT Boost Your 2017 Tax Bill?

November 15, 2017

Possible tax reform complicates year-end tax planning for the AMT in 2017. Here's why.

Graphic of a scale weighing "Dividends" and "Interest"

Tax Advice: The Ins and Outs of Tax on “Income Investments”

November 2, 2017

All “income investments” aren’t alike when it comes to taxes. Here’s what you need to know.

Hand dropping coins into a retirement coin, "Plans for the Self-Employed"

Tax Advice: For the Self-Employed, a Retirement Savings Opportunity

October 26, 2017

If you’re self-employed, set up a retirement plan for 2017 to boost tax-advantaged saving.

Smiling businesswoman standing in front of a stone wall.

Tax Advice: Executives, Taxes That Could Apply to You

October 17, 2017

Restricted stock, stock options and nonqualified deferred compensation can be valuable forms of compensation. But could your exec comp be subject to the additional 0.9% Medicare tax or the 3.8% NIIT?

Tax Advice: Boost the Impact of Charitable Gifts

October 16, 2017

How to boost the impact of charitable gifts and save more on taxes.

Yellow coffee mug decorated with "October 16" on a desk.

Tax Advice: File by October 16, No Matter What

October 12, 2017

The Oct. 16 extended deadline for filing 2016 individual federal income tax returns is almost here. Learn what to do if you extended your return but can’t pay the tax due.

Stethoscope wrapped around stack of $100 bills

Tax Advice: “Bunching” Medical Expenses for Savings in '17

October 3, 2017

Accelerating deductible expenses into the current year is one way to reduce your tax bill. Tax reform may make “bunching” medical expenses into 2017 an especially valuable acceleration strategy.

Squeegee cleaning a car window, leaving behind "wash sale rule"

Investors, Beware of the Wash Sale Rule

September 27, 2017

While no one wants to lose money, realizing a capital loss on an investment can provide tax savings. Don’t let the wash sale rule wash out the tax benefits.

Blue porcelain chicken next 401k eggs in a nest with money.

Tax Advice: Do You Contribute Enough to Your 401(k)?

September 19, 2017

Both traditional and Roth 401(k) plans offer significant tax and retirement planning benefits. Why you should boost your 401(k) contribution rate between now and year's end.

College students walking down a hallway.

Tax Advice: Save More For College with a 529 Savings Plan

September 12, 2017

If you’re concerned about saving for your child’s (or grandchild’s) higher education, consider a Sec. 529 plan. It can help you build a large college nest egg via tax-deferred
compounding.