Congress is enacting the biggest tax reform law in thirty years, one that will make fundamental changes in the way you, your family and your business calculate your federal income tax bill, and the amount of federal tax you will pay. Since most of the changes will go into effect next year, there's still a narrow window of time before year-end to soften or avoid the impact of crackdowns and to best position yourself for the tax breaks that may be ... more
Archives for December 2017
Tax Reform Updates
It seems we may be closer to revised tax law for the 2017 tax year. At this rate, floor votes may still happen prior to the holiday break. But rest assured that legislators will pore over the published tax bill before a vote. Proposed Changes The House & Senate Republican Conference Committee have agreed in principle to a consensus tax reform bill that reconciles the differences between the bills passed by the two legislative bodies. The ... more
What You Need to Know About Year-End Charitable Giving in 2017
Charitable giving can be a powerful tax-saving strategy: Donations to qualified charities are generally fully deductible, and you have complete control over when and how much you give. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind this year to ensure you receive the tax benefits you desire. Delivery date To be deductible on your 2017 return, a charitable donation must be made by Dec. 31, 2017. According to the IRS, a donation generally ... more
Financial Literacy Programs Support Employee Retention
Studies coming out this year about Americans’ financial literacy and savings rates show that employers could do a lot to improve the financial wellness of their employees — at minimal cost. A survey of 1,000 adults this year by Bankrate.com showed that 31 percent of people now have emergency funds to cover six months or more of expenses, the highest percentage since Bankrate started the survey seven years ago. However, 32 percent of people age ... more