04.17.20

New Tax Strategies for Charitable Donors
Thomas Kosinski

The passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) changed or eliminated some tax benefits for many taxpayers who frequently itemize deductions. However, tax-saving strategies may still be available. One solution is “bunching,” or donating twice as much in alternate tax years, to take advantage of itemizing in one year and then claiming the […]

03.25.20

Donor-Advised Funds Offer a Low-Cost Alternative to Private Foundations
Adam J. Pechin

Charitable givers sometimes establish private foundations to manage their philanthropic activities. But foundations are costly to set up and subject to excise taxes, minimum distribution requirements and other regulatory requirements. If you are looking for a more cost-efficient vehicle for leaving a charitable legacy, consider a donor-advised fund (DAF). Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provides […]

02.12.20

Capital Gains Planning: When Timing is Everything
Adam M. Levine

The timing of capital gains and losses may have a significant impact on your tax bill. So it pays to consider the tax implications before you sell investments, particularly as the end of the year approaches. The Long and short of it Generally, the longer you hold an appreciated investment, the better. It allows you […]

01.21.20

Substantiating Charitable Gifts: Do You Know the Rules?
Jeffrey R. Green

Recently, the IRS issued final substantiation regulations for charitable contributions. To avoid costly mistakes, it is important to familiarize yourself with these rules.

12.05.19

Section 529 versus Roth IRA Plans: Choosing a College Savings Tool
Christopher Georgiou

Many people assume that a Section 529 plan is the ideal college savings tool. But the Roth IRA can also help parents save for college expenses. This article reviews the strengths of each. For example, Sec. 529 plans allow participants to make substantial non-deductible contributions. Owners of Roth IRAs can withdraw contributions anytime, tax and penalty-free, for any purpose.

11.18.19

How Tax-Advantaged Health Plans Contribute to Your Financial Well-Being
Jacqueline N. Janczewski

You have likely heard of these common tax-advantaged health care plans: Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). But do you know what they offer and, given your specific health and financial concerns, which one might be the best fit for you?

11.05.19

Planning for Required Minimum Distributions from IRAs: Why You Should Consider Making/Taking ROTH IRA Conversions in Low Income Years
Frank L. Washelesky

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) often account for a large portion of an individual’s overall wealth as the person reaches retirement. With few exceptions, IRAs are taxable income at the time they are withdrawn.  In addition, a 10% penalty may apply if distributions are made prior to reaching age 59-½.

10.22.19

Divorcing? Don’t Let Your Estate Plan Fall Through the Cracks
Eileen Cozzi

If you are going through a divorce, you are probably feeling a little overwhelmed by all the legal and financial items you must attend to before the marriage termination is final. These tasks can be difficult, but revising your estate plan does not have to be. An estate planning professional can help you update documents and ensure that your children benefit according to your wishes — not your ex-spouse’s.

10.03.19

Retirement Plan Changes Under the SECURE Act
Frank L. Washelesky

For many people, qualified retirement plans make up a large part of their overall savings.  There are many complex rules surrounding qualified plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), but there have not been significant modifications for quite some time. That may all change this year as the House of Representatives has passed the Setting Every […]

09.09.19

Spousal Lifetime Access Trust: A Tool for Creditor Protection and Estate Planning
Frank L. Washelesky

Many wealthy professionals are looking for ways to protect assets from potential lawsuits or other unknown creditors without giving up substantial control. Estate tax considerations are also still important as the current large estate tax exemption ($11.4 million for individuals, or $22.8 million for married couples) is set to drop at the end of 2025, […]