Tax guidance and resources

Latest Articles

• 

  Banker should fix tax error

  Banker’s error in titling an IRA causes a $35,000 tax bill, and he should be on the hook to fix it.

  2 min read Sep 17, 2009
• 

  Pay IRA penalty or foreclose?

  To save a home with nearly $200,000 in equity, be willing to pay a penalty — or maybe not.

  3 min read Sep 15, 2009
• 

  Tax credit for home energy efficiency?

  If you missed out on earlier tax credits, they are being reintroduced. But there is a limit.

  1 min read Aug 20, 2009
• 

  Die in 2011 and you’ll pay

  With the estate tax in flux, planning for estate taxes at death is uncertain at best.

  2 min read Aug 18, 2009
• 

  Rules for the child care tax credit

  The IRS has rules for claiming the child care credit if you pay a relative to provide the care.

  2 min read Aug 13, 2009
• 

  Selling property in a foreign country

  When you become a U.S. resident, the IRS wants a portion of all your worldwide income.

  2 min read Aug 11, 2009
• 

  Do you qualify for COBRA subsidies?

  In order to qualify for the COBRA subsidy, an employee must have been laid off or fired.

  2 min read Aug 06, 2009
• 

  Deducting court-ordered COBRA payments

  In a divorce, the medical expenses of the ex-spouse may be deductible as alimony.

  2 min read Aug 04, 2009
• 

  Should tax fears alter retirement plan?

  Tax diversification remains a cornerstone of a sound 401(k) retirement savings strategy.

  1 min read Aug 03, 2009
• 

  2009 tax holiday schedule

  Find out if your state offers tax breaks on back-to-school shopping and the rules for the discount.

  8 min read Jul 30, 2009
• 

  Sales tax holidays offer shopping bargains

  Plan back-to-school shopping carefully to take advantage of tax-free shopping days in 15 states.

  4 min read Jul 30, 2009
• 

  IRA penalty has multiple exceptions

  The IRS makes it clear that taxpayers can withdraw IRA money early for more than one purpose.

  1 min read Jul 28, 2009
• 

  Reporting gains in a 1031 exchange

  The usual capital gains rules are different when the property is a like-kind exchange.

  2 min read Jul 23, 2009
• 

  Is an insurance settlement taxable?

  In certain cases, the remains of a settlement to repair a home’s sinkhole damage could be taxed.

  1 min read Jul 21, 2009
• 

  Who can help with a like-kind exchange?

  Only a qualified person can conduct a 1031 exchange for you. Here’s how to find the right one.

  2 min read Jul 09, 2009
• 

  Retirement account withdrawal

  Whether you withdraw from an IRA or 401(k), the tax implications are usually the same.

  2 min read Jul 02, 2009
• 

  Deciphering tax treaties

  The details of a tax treaty involving the U.S. and the Czech Republic are best left to an expert.

  2 min read Jun 30, 2009
• 

  2009 RMD rules for an IRA

  If you took a required minimum distribution for 2009, you may be able to roll it into another plan.

  1 min read Jun 25, 2009
• 

  Figuring car depreciation

  There are several factors in figuring the depreciation rate on a car used for business.

  2 min read Jun 23, 2009
• 

  Claiming capital loss on a home

  Converting your home to a rental so you can claim the capital loss won’t fly with the IRS.

  1 min read Jun 18, 2009