Articles

July 2020

This month: July 15 – Individual income tax returns for 2019 are due – C corporation tax returns for 2019 are due – 1st and 2nd quarter 2020 estimated tax payments due Other July 15 Deadlines – Gift tax returns – 2019 IRA contributions – 2019 HSA contributions

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Think twice before transferring your home to adult children

Your home might well be your biggest asset. Many times, parents think about giving their home to their adult children outright while the parents are still alive, or adding their names to the deed. While doing so might avoid probate when you die, it’s also likely to lead to significant gift tax consequences. And if anything happens that could affect your kids’ assets, such as a bankruptcy filing or a lawsuit, your home could suddenly be

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Where can you live to lower your estate tax?

In retirement, you might move to a different state for a wide range of reasons, such as being close to your kids and grandkids, or for a warmer climate. Another key thing to consider is the state estate tax. The federal estate tax applies to all U.S. taxpayers, whether they live in the U.S. or abroad. With the current federal estate tax annual exclusion set at $11.58 million, there are many taxpayers who wouldn’t owe an

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Pandemic downturn opens estate-planning opportunities

It’s not new news that many financial investments and bank accounts have taken a hit as a result of the global spread of coronavirus. According to most predictions, it’s likely to take some time for the markets to rally and the economy to pick up again. But there is a silver lining for some taxpayers, who might be able to take advantage of certain estate-planning strategies as a result of the economic climate. Talk to an

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Review your estate plan basics

The Covid-19 pandemic has offered a great reminder to review the elements of your estate plan. Below are some key items to consider. Set up a call with your estate planning lawyer to consider any specific details related to your own plan. Review your health care proxy and power of attorney: Be sure you are comfortable with your choices of who will make medical and financial decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do

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Consider going cash-free, with caution

There’s a growing trend toward cashless businesses. From clothing stores to coffee shops to salons, some businesses are implementing cash-free policies. Only credit and debit cards allowed. What’s behind the trend? Cash-free businesses (and credit advocates) say there are a number of benefits: Speed up the checkout process: It’s quicker to swipe or tap a credit card than to count cash and make change. If your business has long lines at peak service times, going cash-free

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Passage of law to boost retirement savings anticipated by year-end

Retirement plan sponsors have been watching Congress closely, waiting on passage of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act. The legislation, designed to boost Americans’ retirement savings, has implications for small businesses and individual savers alike. The bill is considered to have strong bipartisan support, and advocates are optimistic it will pass by year-end. If it doesn’t pass via a unanimous consent vote this fall, pundits suggest it will be attached to a year-end

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New bankruptcy rules give relief to small businesses

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is not an easy process, and rules have traditionally favored large businesses. Now, distressed small businesses will have a better chance at reorganization under a new subchapter of the federal bankruptcy code. The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019, which will go into effect on Feb. 19, 2020, makes Chapter 11 reorganization a more affordable and feasible process for small businesses. Under the new law, individuals and companies with roughly $2,725,000 of debt

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Businesses must take action following new overtime rule

Under new Department of Labor rules, employees who make less than $35,568 are now eligible for overtime pay. Starting January 1 the rule raises the salary cutoff for so-called “white collar” exemptions to $684 a week, up from $455 a week ($23,660 annual). As a result, businesses are advised to evaluate pay rates, hours and nonexempt classifications in advance of the change. Some actions steps: Review white collar exemptions: Identify exempt employees whose salaries fall below

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Keep Cultivating Your Network

Don’t let social distancing get in the way of your personal and professional relationships Keeping up with your friends and maintaining professional relationships is a challenge as most in-person activities have come screeching to a halt. Drive-by birthday parties, video happy hours and pre-recorded commencement speeches are the new normal. Despite social distancing guidelines, here are some tips to stay connected. Embrace digital communication. Whether you were ready for it or not, face-to-face contact has been

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