Key Numbers 2018
Key tax and retirement numbers and limits for the 2018 tax year
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Impact on Individuals
Some of the major changes included in the 2017 tax legislation are summarized, and are effective for tax years 2018 through 2025.
2017 Key Income Tax Numbers
Forefield Concept Piece Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) Qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) are distributions made directly from an IRA to a qualified charity. Such distributions may [...]
Retirement Survey: Results Show Increasing Confidence With Planning
Retirement confidence is highest among workers who say they or their spouse have a retirement plan, such as a work-sponsored plan or an individual retirement [...]
IRS Tax Guidance on Same-Sex Marriage
Guidance issued in response to recent Supreme Court decisionThe Treasury Department and IRS guidance was issued in response to the recent Supreme Court case striking [...]
ATRA 2012: In-plan Roth conversions and tax-free IRA charitable contributions
Retirement Provisions in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (ATRA), enacted to avoid the fiscal cliff, includes two [...]
Coming soon to an IRA portfolio near you: Longevity Annuities?
Photo courtesy Margan Zajdowicz. If a significant portion of your retirement assets are held in a retirement account like an IRA, how can you accomplish [...]
New cost-basis reporting rules being phased in
Calculating Cost Basis Gets Easier This YearBrokers must track and report cost basis to both you and the IRSAnyone who has ever been baffled by [...]
Uncle Sam Knows Asset Allocation?
You might be surprised to hear that the Securities and Exchange Commission has published one of the most helpful articles on asset allocation. As you [...]
Retirement and Tax Planning: 2012
Every year brings some financial change, so here are some relevant changes relating to investment, tax and estate planning for 2012. Retirement plans. 401(k), 403(b) [...]
Global Stock Market Retrospective: 2011
U.S. STOCKS HELD UP RELATIVELY WELL IN 2011 It was a weak year for equities, but foreign markets had it worse. 2011 had a definite [...]
In-Service Withdrawals: 401k withdrawals while you are still working
You should become familiar with the terms of your employer's 401(k) plan to understand your particular withdrawal rights (more...)
Long-Term Care—Annuity Hybrids: New alternative to long-term care insurance
Long-Term Care Annuities When planning for the potential cost of long-term care, you've probably considered long-term care insurance. But premiums can be expensive and if [...]
All about Self-Directed IRAs
Just because a self-directed IRA allows you to choose certain investments, it doesn't mean that you should. Some investment choices aren't suitable for all investors.Certain [...]
10 End-of-Year Tax Tips – 2011 Edition
The window of opportunity for many tax-saving moves closes on December 31. So set aside some time to evaluate your tax situation now, while there's [...]
The spousal IRA rule
Generally, you can contribute up to $5,000 to an IRA in 2011 ($6,000 if you'll be age 50 or older by the end of the [...]
Thinking of borrowing from your 401(k)?
With the current financial situation, you may be tempted to tap your 401(k). But before you decide to take a plan loan, be sure you [...]
Alternative Investments: beyond stocks, bonds, and cash
Funds of hedge fundsIf you do not qualify to invest directly in a hedge fund, you may be able to find a fund that invests [...]
2011: Mid-Year Income Tax Planning
At this time last year, income tax planning was particularly challenging. Several tax deductions had already expired, and significant changes, including new, higher income tax [...]
Trusteed IRAs
Trusteed IRAs The tax code allows IRAs to be created as trust accounts, custodial accounts, and annuity contracts. Regardless of the form, the federal tax [...]