Individual taxpayers, remember the rescue!
Tue, Jun 1, 2021

Many individual taxpayers fondly recall the stimulus payments issued this spring under the American Rescue Plan Act. However, the law contains plenty of other provisions also worth remembering. This article reviews four highlights. A sidebar looks at the income exclusion for unemployment benefits.

Weighing the pros and cons of LTC insurance
Tue, Jun 1, 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected our lives in many ways that are still playing out. For example, it has served as a reminder of how difficult an unexpected medical crisis can be to manage financially. This article explores the pros and cons of one potential safeguard against such risk: long-term care insurance.

Should an LLC hold your vacation home?
Tue, Jun 1, 2021

Holding a vacation home shared by family members in a limited liability company is one option that can offer important benefits. This short article lists several: asset protection, ease of management, ownership restrictions and estate planning advantages.

New rules for COVID-related paid sick time and leave
Tue, Jun 1, 2021

Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, employees could (through December 31, 2020) take paid sick time and paid family leave to care for themselves or loved ones because of COVID-19. This brief article notes some changes to the applicable rules with the passage of two subsequent laws in December 2020 and in March 2021.

Bolster wealth management with trusts
Mon, May 3, 2021

Trusts can help affluent individuals and families manage, protect and grow their wealth. But there are a wide variety to choose from, so it’s important to understand the basic concepts behind trusts before choosing one. This article defines trusts and provides an example of how one popular trust type works. A sidebar looks at another example: intentionally defective grantor trusts.

3 things to know after filing your tax return
Mon, May 3, 2021

Most people feel a sense of relief after filing their tax returns. But even if you’ve successfully filed your 2020 return with the IRS, there may still be some issues to bear in mind. This article discusses three considerations: checking on a refund, filing an amended return and retaining records.

The tax treatment of start-up expenses
Mon, May 3, 2021

 With the economy expected to improve in the months or quarters ahead, many business owners and entrepreneurs may decide to launch new enterprises. This article discusses the general rules and applicable expenses related to the tax treatment of start-ups.

Appreciating the helpful balance of bonds
Mon, May 3, 2021

Stock market swings may bring both fortune and fear, so investors shouldn’t forget about the helpful balance of bonds. This brief article discusses several popular options, including U.S. government savings bonds and corporate bonds.