Every year, it’s a sure bet that there will be changes to current tax law, and this year is no different. From standard deductions to health savings accounts and tax rate schedules, here’s a checklist of tax changes to help you plan the year ahead.
Archived Posts: Estate and Gift Taxes
Individual Taxpayers: The Year in Review
As we close out the year and get ready for tax season, here’s what individuals and families need to know about tax provisions for 2021.
Tips to Help You Figure Out if Your Gift is Taxable
If you've given money or property to someone as a gift, you may owe federal gift tax, but in many cases, you will not. For example, there is usually no tax if you make a gift to your spouse or a charity. If you make a gift to someone else, the gift tax usually does not apply until the value of the gifts you give that person exceeds the annual exclusion for the year. In 2021, you can give any amount up to $15,000 per person per year with no gift tax liability. However, gifts exceeding that...
Saving for Education: Understanding 529 Plans
Many parents are looking for ways to save for their child's education, and a 529 Plan is an excellent way to do so. Even better is that thanks to the passage of tax reform legislation in 2017, 529 plans are now available to parents wishing to save for their child's K-12 education as well as college (two and four-year programs) or vocational school. The SECURE Act expanded the 529 Plan to include fees, books, supplies, and equipment for apprenticeship programs and repayment of principal and...
Individual Taxpayers: Recap for 2020
Tax Provisions for 2020 As we close out the year and get ready for tax season, here's what individuals and families need to know about tax provisions for 2020. Personal Exemptions Personal exemptions are eliminated for tax years 2018 through 2025. Standard Deductions The standard deduction for married couples filing a joint return in 2020 is $24,800. For singles and married individuals filing separately, it is $12,400, and for heads of household, the deduction is $18,650. The additional...