If you’re age 65 and older and have basic Medicare insurance, you may need to pay additional premiums to get the level of coverage you want. The premiums can be costly, especially for married couples with both spouses paying them. But there may be an advantage: You may qualify for a tax break for paying […]
Do you have an idea for a new venture with social benefits or environmental applications? You can set up as a for-profit entity — such as a C corporation, S corporation or limited liability company — with charitable functions. Or, if your key objectives are more altruistic, you may want to consider an alternative: forming […]
Estate planning isn’t just for the rich and famous. For example, you may have family heirlooms (such as jewelry or artwork) or real property that has sentimental value to certain family members. Wills and trusts can help ensure that your estate is divvied up fairly after your passing. But you won’t be around to explain […]
You may not think of your small business’s payroll function as risky. But if you don’t properly handle certain payroll challenges, you may risk IRS scrutiny, operational disruptions and financial losses. What should you watch out for? Here’s a list of 10 payroll issues small organizations must grapple with. 1. Accurate recordkeeping. If you don’t keep […]
High-income taxpayers face a regular income tax rate of 35% or 37%. And they may also have to pay a 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) that’s imposed in addition to regular income tax. Fortunately, there are some ways you may be able to reduce its impact. Affected taxpayers The NIIT applies to you only […]
With billions of users worldwide, social media platforms can be a breeding ground for illicit activity — from simple identity theft to sophisticated and wide-ranging fraud schemes. Here’s an overview of some of the most common social media scams and tips to help prevent you or your business from becoming a fraud victim. Crooks Find […]
If you’re looking to save for your child’s or grandchild’s education, you may have several options, including 529 plans, Coverdell education savings accounts (ESAs) and IRAs. But one of the best ways to invest for college is to open a custodial account under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA) or the Uniform Transfers to […]
If you’re claiming deductions for business meals or auto expenses, expect the IRS to closely review them. In some cases, taxpayers have incomplete documentation or try to create records months (or years) later. In doing so, they fail to meet the strict substantiation requirements set forth under tax law. Tax auditors are adept at rooting […]
If you aren’t married and have no children, you may think you don’t need an estate plan. But nothing could be further from the truth. Unlike with married couples, there could be no specific person who can legally make medical decisions for you should you become incapacitated. And if you were to die without an […]
Even though many employers offer more than one health plan option, a recent survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) found that most enrollees spent less than an hour making their selections. The survey was conducted during the 2022 open enrollment season, questioning 2,015 employees, ages 21 to 64. Other facts about the amount […]









