Category: 2015 Year End Newsletter

On October 21st, the IRS announced the cost of living adjustments applicable to the various retirement plan limitations for 2016.  Unfortunately, the bulk of the retirement savings limits will not increase from 2015. No Increases for 2016 Most working professionals have access to a 401(k) plan or a 403(b) plan at work.  Amounts contributed to these… Continue reading IRS announces Few Increases to Retirement Plan Limits for 2016

Now is a great time to begin planning to take full advantage of your employer’s flexible spending arrangement (FSA) during 2016. FSAs provide employees a way to use tax-free dollars to pay medical expenses not covered by other health plans. Because eligible employees need to decide how much to contribute through payroll deductions before the… Continue reading Use Your Employer’s Health Flex Spending (FSAs)

Even if you're covered under a retirement plan at work, you and your spouse can each contribute up to $5,500 into a traditional IRA or Roth IRA for 2015 and 2016, as long as your combined wages and net self-employment income exceeds the total amount contributed. Anyone 50 or older can contribute an extra $1,000,… Continue reading Don’t Forget About IRAs

According to the IRS, to be deductible, an expenditure must be both "ordinary" and "necessary" in connection with your profession.  The IRS defines "ordinary" as common and accepted in a particular profession and "necessary" as helpful and appropriate for a particular profession. Employees may not deduct professional expenses that are eligible for reimbursement from their… Continue reading Deducting Un-Reimbursed Professional Expenses

It's not too late to cut your 2015 tax bill.  Prior to Dec. 31st: Increase your 401(k) and 403(b) contributions if you haven't been contributing at the maximum rate all year. This year you can put away up to $18,000 ($20,000 if 50 or older) into your 401(k) or 403(b) plan.  If you’re self-employed, consider… Continue reading Checklist to Cut Your 2015 Taxes

The IRS has warned consumers about a sophisticated phone scam targeting taxpayers, including recent immigrants, throughout the country. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or… Continue reading IRS Warns of Phone Scam

During December, you should evaluate whether you'll save any taxes by postponing 2015 income or deductions into 2016 or by accelerating 2016 income or deductions into 2015.  While many factors should be evaluated prior to making your final decision, a few items to keep in mind are as follows: For 2015, a single person will… Continue reading 2015 Year End Planning

On October 21st, the IRS announced the cost of living adjustments applicable to the various retirement plan limitations for 2016.  Unfortunately, the bulk of the retirement savings limits will not increase from 2015. No Increases for 2016 Most working professionals have access to a 401(k) plan or a 403(b) plan at work.  Amounts contributed to these… Continue reading IRS Announces Few Increase to Retirement Plan Limits for 2016

Now is a great time to begin planning to take full advantage of your employer’s flexible spending arrangement (FSA) during 2016. FSAs provide employees a way to use tax-free dollars to pay medical expenses not covered by other health plans. Because eligible employees need to decide how much to contribute through payroll deductions before the… Continue reading Use Your Employer’s Health Flex Spending (FSAs)

Even if you're covered under a retirement plan at work, you and your spouse can each contribute up to $5,500 into a traditional IRA or Roth IRA for 2015 and 2016, as long as your combined wages and net self-employment income exceeds the total amount contributed. Anyone 50 or older can contribute an extra $1,000,… Continue reading Don’t Forget About IRAs

It's not too late to cut your 2015 tax bill.  Prior to Dec. 31st: Increase your 401(k) and 403(b) contributions if you haven't been contributing at the maximum rate all year. This year you can put away up to $18,000 ($20,000 if 50 or older) into your 401(k) or 403(b) plan.  If you’re self-employed, consider… Continue reading Checklist to Cut Your 2015 Taxes

During December, you should evaluate whether you'll save any taxes by postponing 2015 income or deductions into 2016 or by accelerating 2016 income or deductions into 2015.  While many factors should be evaluated prior to making your final decision, a few items to keep in mind are as follows: For 2015, a single person will… Continue reading 2015 Year End Planning