We typically advise clients to think of the value of the gift before making gifts. Let's take a look at why. Value of the Gift Although the annual exclusion from Federal gift taxes is $15,000, this doesn’t mean that you…
The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (more commonly referred to as the SECURE Act) has received a lot of buzz in the estate and retirement planning communities lately thanks to the significant changes it has made to…
You can give to a charity whenever you are able and willing to make a donation. However, for tax purposes, if you want the contribution to be tax-deductible in a given year you must make the donation by the end…
In general, your total charitable deductions are limited to no more than 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). However, only donations to certain organizations as defined by the IRS qualify for the highest limit. These organizations include, but are…
Not all donations are eligible tax deductions. In order to be eligible for a charitable contribution tax deduction, the recipient charity must be duly qualified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This means that gifts to needy relatives, friends, neighbors,…
In order to get the potential tax benefits of a charitable contribution of money or property, you must file an IRS Form 1040 and itemize your deductions on “Schedule A.” If you do not file an IRS Form 1040 then there…
A constant concern here on Long Island is the continued increase in Property Taxes and the ever-increasing cost of living. The application for state program real estate tax exemptions (such as Basic STAR, Enhanced STAR or Veterans exemptions) may help…
Scams are on the rise! Whether it be in the form of a phone call, email, or direct mailing, scam artists are trying to steal your personal information. The IRS has continuously warned taxpayers to think twice before providing any…
The new federal tax law entitled, “An Act To provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018,” which is commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs…
With the federal and New York state tax exemptions being so high ($11.18 million and $5.25 million, respectively), clients with family businesses held in an S-corporation are less focused on reducing estate taxes and are more focused on avoiding probate…