Last Chance for 2010 Retirement Investment Planning

There are still a few weeks left to take advantage of tax-saving opportunities for 2010 retirement planning.  2010 is a great year to implement or    modify your retirement investments.  The expanded availability of Roth IRAs, coupled with preferential income recognition opportunities for rollovers and other changes making regular IRAs more attractive, provide a savings incentive… Continue reading Last Chance for 2010 Retirement Investment Planning

Florida Tax Issues for Voters – November 2010 Elections

With just over a week left before Election Day, I encourage voters to become more acquainted with the candidates and issues they will be confronted with on the ballot.  Because most ballot initiatives are written in what resembles either a foreign language or horrific grammatical capabilities, I’ve compiled a brief synopsis of the tax issues… Continue reading Florida Tax Issues for Voters – November 2010 Elections

2010 Capital Gain Rates – 4 Months Left to Cash in on the Lower Rates!

For tax years 2009 and 2010, long-term capital gains taxes are eliminated for some low- and moderate-income individuals. This zero-tax break will end Jan. 1, 2011, when all capital gains rates revert to pre-2003 levels, unless Congress extends the current law. Ordinary income tax bracket Long-term capital gains rate by tax year 2007 2008, 2009… Continue reading 2010 Capital Gain Rates – 4 Months Left to Cash in on the Lower Rates!

IRS Incorrectly Records 73,000+ Purchase Dates for Taxpayers Claiming the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Those of you lucky enough to take advantage of the First-Time Hombuyer Tax Credit might be getting a not-so-lucky tax assessment.  Somehow the IRS managed to record the wrong purchase date for 73,000+ homebuyers cashing in on the credit. This IRS screw-up could be costly for the unfortunate taxpayers affected.  When the First-Time Homebuyer’s Tax… Continue reading IRS Incorrectly Records 73,000+ Purchase Dates for Taxpayers Claiming the First-Time Homebuyer Credit

Mickey Mouse, Disney, and the Estate Tax…A Story with a Surprise Ending!

Although we have yet to see legislation to preempt the reversion of the estate tax to the 2001 rates on January 1, 2011, the media has become inundated with opinions and speculation surrounding such.  Most of the talk I find rather boring as a lot of the arguments are merely re-worded sentiment that has been… Continue reading Mickey Mouse, Disney, and the Estate Tax…A Story with a Surprise Ending!

Asbestos, Acutane, Vioxx, Paxil Settlement? You may need a Tax Attorney!

We have all seen the ads for asbestos exposure and “bad” prescription drugs… “have you or someone you know taken the drug Acutane… if so, you may be entitled to cash compensation… call 1800-bad-drug…” So what are the tax consequences of receiving compensation for your damages? Well, it depends… Some damages and settlement proceeds are… Continue reading Asbestos, Acutane, Vioxx, Paxil Settlement? You may need a Tax Attorney!

Throw Momma From Her Private Jet–Not From The Train

New York Times columnist Paul Krugman famously  dubbed the Bush 2001 tax cuts the “Throw Momma From The Train Act”, because the estate tax was eliminated for just one year—2010. But as 2010 grinds on without a federal estate levy, it’s becoming clear that Krugman got it wrong.  Any Momma who would ride the rails… Continue reading Throw Momma From Her Private Jet–Not From The Train

Free at Last…Cost of Goverment Day 2010

With the rising deficit and a substantial economic strain on our Government, it is not terribly surprising that our Government’s financial woes tickle down, resulting in a larger financial burden on Americans. August 19th marked the “Cost of Government Day” for 2010.  This is the day the average American has earned enough gross income to… Continue reading Free at Last…Cost of Goverment Day 2010

Income Tax Planning Basics for 2010

With a substantial portion of provisions in the Internal Revenue Code (Code) set to expire the end of this year, I am strongly encouraging my clients to take advantage of the current tax planning opportunities available this year.  In the midst of the over sensationalized estate tax repeal and first-time homebuyer credit, the Code provides… Continue reading Income Tax Planning Basics for 2010