Blog
Stepped-up basis rules can ease the income tax bite of an inheritance
With the federal gift and estate tax exemption amount set at $13.99 million for 2025, most people won’t be liable for these taxes. However, capital gains tax on inherited assets may cause an unwelcome tax bite. The good news is that the stepped-up basis rules can...
Deduct a loss from making a personal loan to a relative or friend
Suppose your adult child or friend needs to borrow money. Maybe it’s to buy a first home or address a cash flow problem. You may want to help by making a personal loan. That’s a nice thought, but there are tax implications that you should understand and take into...
6 essential tips for small business payroll tax compliance
Staying compliant with payroll tax laws is crucial for small businesses. Mistakes can lead to fines, strained employee relationships and even legal consequences. Below are six quick tips to help you stay on track. Maintain organized records Accurate recordkeeping is...
Incentive trusts: Use them to pass your wealth and values on to beneficiaries
If your estate planning goals include distributing your wealth while also encouraging specific behaviors or achievements among your heirs, using an incentive trust might be right for your plan. Unlike a traditional trust, which distributes assets according to a set...
Turning stock downturns into tax advantages
Have you ever invested in a company only to see its stock value plummet? (This may become relevant in light of recent market volatility.) While such an investment might be something you’d rather forget, there’s a silver lining: you can claim a capital loss deduction...
Planning for the future: 5 business succession options and their tax implications
When it’s time to consider your business’s future, succession planning can protect your legacy and successfully set up the next generation of leaders or owners. Whether you’re ready to retire, you wish to step back your involvement or you want a solid contingency plan...
What happens if you and your siblings inherit your parents’ home?
When estate planning, it’s common for parents to leave their primary residence or a vacation home to their children. While your parents’ wills or trusts may specify who gets what percentage of the home, typically, you and your siblings will receive equal shares in the...
Riding the tax break train: Maximizing employee transportation fringe benefits
There are some nice tax breaks for transportation-related employee fringe benefits. If your employer offers these tax-favored fringes, you should probably take advantage of them by signing up. Here’s a quick summary of the current federal tax treatment of...
Exploring business entities: Is an S corporation the right choice?
Are you starting a business with partners and deciding on the right entity? An S corporation might be the best choice for your new venture. One benefit of an S corporation One major advantage of an S corporation over a partnership is that shareholders aren’t...
It may be in your best interest to file a gift tax return
If you’ve given a significant financial gift to a family member, you may wonder whether you’re required to file a gift tax return. Even if no tax is due, filing Form 709, United States Gift (and Generation-Skipping Transfer) Tax Return, can be a smart decision....