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	<title>Estate Planning Archives - RRBB</title>
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	<description>RRBB Accountants and Advisors in New Jersey and New York - RRBB has been delivering high-quality accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services for 60+ years.</description>
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	<title>Estate Planning Archives - RRBB</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Leveraging gift rules to your advantage</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/leveraging-gift-rules/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:22:29 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=7895</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As you or your family members approach retirement, it&#8217;s essential to understand the IRS gift-giving rules. With this understanding, there are opportunities for leveraging this tax law without creating a tax problem. IRS gift-giving rules You may give up to $19,000 to any individual (donee) in 2025 and avoid any gift tax filing requirements. If [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/leveraging-gift-rules/">Leveraging gift rules to your advantage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2270 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting-300x200.jpg" alt="leveraging giving excess gifts and filing a gift tax return vs. bequests rules" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting-300x200.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting-768x512.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />As you or your family members approach retirement, it&#8217;s essential to understand the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRS</a> gift-giving rules. With this understanding, there are opportunities for leveraging this tax law without creating a tax problem.</p>
<h3>IRS gift-giving rules</h3>
<ol>
<li>You may give up to $19,000 to any individual (donee) in 2025 and avoid any gift tax filing requirements.</li>
<li>If married, you and your spouse may transfer up to $38,000 per donee.</li>
<li>If you provide a gift to your spouse who is not a U.S. citizen, the annual exclusion amount is $190,000.</li>
<li>Gifts in excess of this annual amount trigger the need to file a gift tax form with your individual tax return. The excess gift amounts are then added to your estate for potential estate taxation.</li>
<li>The estate tax currently has a maximum rate of 40%, and the donor of the gift (or their estate) is responsible for paying the tax.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Leveraging gift rules</h3>
<p>Remember, you can transfer up to $19,000 ($38,000 if married) to anyone you wish each year tax-free. Additionally, most states also adhere to this federal law. So if you wish to move assets to loved ones without the burden of future taxation, consider the following ideas.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Make periodic gifts.</strong> Remember, the gift-giving limit is per calendar year. To take full advantage of this tax-free transfer, consider starting now and making periodic payments. Every year you miss out on this limit, which reduces the amount a couple can transfer tax-free to each donee by up to $38,000.</li>
<li><strong>Fund college savings.</strong> Consider donating money to 529 college savings plans for children and grandchildren. This can be done with automated deposits into the account. You or your grandchild’s parent could establish the account.</li>
<li><strong>Pay medical and education bills directly. </strong>If you are concerned about exceeding the annual gift limit to a single person, consider paying bills directly. Examples of this strategy might be paying medical bills directly to a hospital or directly paying college bills for a loved one.</li>
<li><strong>Donate property.</strong> Gifts can include property as well as cash. You can donate investments or other physical property. If you do this, document the property&#8217;s fair market value at the time of transfer. The IRS requires this documentation to ensure the value of the property transferred is consistently valued by you and the person receiving the gift.</li>
<li><strong>Help build a down payment.</strong> Often, children burdened with college debt cannot afford the down payment required to buy their first home. You can help by contributing to a down payment through gift transfers.</li>
<li><strong>Leave a cushion.</strong> Remember the annual limit. If you provide a gift to an individual for the maximum allowable amount, you may not provide any other gifts to that person during the year, or the event would be deemed excess gift-giving and require filing a gift tax form.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Keeping perspective</h3>
<p>Understanding and leveraging the annual gift tax rules can create tremendous tax savings. But this strategy should be in conjunction with understanding your personal financial needs. Providing gifts of funds that you might later need for your own retirement can be problematic. It&#8217;s best to review your gift plans before taking action. <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact our RRBB advisors</a> if you have any questions or if you&#8217;re ready to take the next step.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/leveraging-gift-rules/">Leveraging gift rules to your advantage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>Family teamwork: A smooth transition through the ages</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/family-elder-care-planning-smooth-transition/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:04:54 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=7810</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>As you get older, so do your parents and grandparents. And at some point, the need for support and transition becomes unavoidable. If you&#8217;re lucky, the shift happens gradually. But without elder care planning, it can arrive suddenly and feel overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to make the transition smoother for everyone involved. Parents (or [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/family-elder-care-planning-smooth-transition/">Family teamwork: A smooth transition through the ages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-7811 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/shutterstock_2227481205-300x169.jpg" alt="elder care planning" width="300" height="169" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/shutterstock_2227481205-300x169.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/shutterstock_2227481205-768x432.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/shutterstock_2227481205.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />As you get older, so do your parents and grandparents. And at some point, the need for support and transition becomes unavoidable. If you&#8217;re lucky, the shift happens gradually. But without elder care planning, it can arrive suddenly and feel overwhelming. Here are some suggestions to make the transition smoother for everyone involved.</p>
<h3>Parents (or grandparents!): Proactively plan for your elder care</h3>
<p>Discussing money, health, and living arrangements with your children or grandchildren is not typically done. Your goal is to be prepared in case you are faced with an emergency. This way, you can avoid making key decisions in emergencies, such as in the ER, after a fall, or under emotional strain.</p>
<p><strong>What you can do:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Make it legal</strong>. If you have not already done so, set up a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Most states have a preferred legal format that is often accompanied by a list of questions. Walk through this document with your children, and while it may seem awkward, remember they may need to be the ones carrying out your wishes. Without these, your children may face expensive and drawn-out legal battles to act on your behalf.</li>
<li><strong>Share your financial picture</strong>. Start small. It may be as simple as providing a place to get a list of your accounts and passwords if needed. Your children don’t need every detail, but they need enough to understand resources, debts, and insurance coverage.</li>
<li><strong>Clarify wishes for care</strong>. Do you want to age in place? Would you consider assisted living? Who do you trust to make medical decisions if you can’t? What funeral arrangements make sense?</li>
</ol>
<h3>Children: Initiate conversations sooner rather than later</h3>
<p>This isn&#8217;t about taking control from your parents, but rather it&#8217;s about being ready to help when it&#8217;s needed. Ideally your parents are having these conversations with you periodically, but if not, you may find that you need to step into this void.</p>
<p><strong>How you can help:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Learn their wishes now</strong>. Ask where they’d like to live if living alone becomes unsafe, and what kind of care they would like. Or explore a plan to stay in their house, if that&#8217;s their wish. Who knows, they may already have a robust plan in place, but then you&#8217;ll know!</li>
<li><strong>Understand available resources</strong>. Identify which bank accounts, insurance policies, and retirement funds exist, and locate the relevant documents. Also, get a general feel of whether there are adequate funds in place to navigate the next phase of life.</li>
<li><strong>Build your own plan</strong>. Prepare financially and emotionally for the possibility that you may need to help cover costs or coordinate care.</li>
<li><strong>Become a resource</strong>. Pay attention to changes in laws, then relay this information to your parents. An example is the additional $6,000 senior deduction that was passed into law in July. By staying alert, you can ensure your parents are taking full advantage of the opportunities made available to them.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Know the tax tools available</h3>
<p>Money is often the most significant stress point in transitioning to new living arrangements or higher levels of care. But many families overlook the tax credits, deductions, and programs that can ease the financial burden. Here are some key areas to explore:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Medical expense deductions</strong>. If medical and long-term care expenses exceed 7.5% of your income, they may be deductible, including in-home care, assisted living (if medically necessary), and medical equipment.</li>
<li><strong>Dependent care credit</strong>. You may qualify for this credit if you pay for the care of a dependent parent while working.</li>
<li><strong>Claiming a parent as a dependent</strong>. If you provide more than half of your parents&#8217; support, you might be able to claim them as a dependent, which can further reduce your taxable income.</li>
<li><strong>State-specific credits</strong>. Some states offer tax breaks for caregiving or senior housing. Check your state’s tax agency for details.</li>
<li><strong>Health savings accounts</strong>. These accounts can be used tax-free for qualifying medical expenses for your parents if they’re considered dependents, even if they&#8217;re not on your insurance.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Get started with your elder care planning today</h3>
<p>The problem isn&#8217;t that children and parents don&#8217;t care about transition planning&#8230;it&#8217;s that they think there&#8217;s plenty of time to do it. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Here&#8217;s how you can start taking action today:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Schedule a first meeting</strong>. Don’t wait for the right moment. Put it on the calendar.</li>
<li><strong>Break it into small pieces</strong>. Talk about housing one week, finances the next. Avoid trying to solve everything at once.</li>
<li><strong>Document agreements</strong>. Even informal notes can be a lifesaver later.</li>
<li><strong>Review regularly</strong>. Life changes. So should the plan.</li>
</ol>
<p>If handled properly, these elder care planning discussions foster a level of trust and cultivate a sense of partnership. The sooner you start talking and planning, the more control you’ll have over choices, costs, and comfort. <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact our RRBB advisors</a> if you have any questions or are ready to take the next step.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/family-elder-care-planning-smooth-transition/">Family teamwork: A smooth transition through the ages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>Estate planning tips for every family</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/estate-planning-tips-for-every-family/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Thu, 15 May 2025 19:05:21 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=7582</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>If juggling priorities were an Olympic sport, young parents would win the gold medal. Raising kids, advancing careers, paying off student loans, and saving for a home is a lot. All this makes estate planning feel like a tomorrow problem. But estate planning puts you in charge of your family’s financial future if the unexpected [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/estate-planning-tips-for-every-family/">Estate planning tips for every family</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2257 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Family-Gift-and-Estate-Tax-300x200.jpg" alt="Crummey Powers in Family Trust and Estate Planning" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Family-Gift-and-Estate-Tax-300x200.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Family-Gift-and-Estate-Tax-768x512.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Family-Gift-and-Estate-Tax.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />If juggling priorities were an Olympic sport, young parents would win the gold medal. Raising kids, advancing careers, paying off student loans, and saving for a home is a lot. All this makes estate planning feel like a tomorrow problem. But estate planning puts you in charge of your family’s financial future if the unexpected happens. Here are three ways to protect the future of your family by starting your estate planning today.</p>
<h3>Protect your income</h3>
<p>Your current income is the fuel that keeps your household going. Here are some ideas to protect your earnings:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Minimize tax liabilities</strong> using tools such as trusts or family limited partnerships, which can shield assets from estate or capital gains taxes.</li>
<li><strong>Protect against lawsuits and creditors</strong> by structuring ownership through legal entities or trusts. These separate legal entities can make it harder for lawsuits or creditors to reach your personal income or business revenue.</li>
<li><strong>Ensure income continuity if incapacitated</strong>. With powers of attorney and living trusts in place, you can tap someone you trust to manage your income and financial affairs if you&#8217;re unable to do so.</li>
</ul>
<p>Estate planning isn’t just about distributing assets – it’s a proactive way to secure financial stability down the road. Here are some ideas to protect your future income:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Preserve wealth using tax planning strategies</strong>. Trusts, retirement accounts, and gift-giving can minimize your future estate and income taxes, helping you retain more of your earnings over time.</li>
<li><strong>Safeguard business and investment income</strong>. Planning for succession or setting up buy-sell agreements ensures that income from businesses or investments can continue in the future, even after death or incapacity.</li>
<li><strong>Provide long-term control over assets</strong>. Set specific terms in wills or trusts to dictate how and when income-generating assets are used. This can protect them from mismanagement or being wasted quickly.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Protect your children</h3>
<p>Estate planning isn&#8217;t just about money – it&#8217;s also about protecting your kids if something happens to you. Here are some ways to protect your children:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Ensure guardianship</strong>. If you pass away or become incapacitated, a will lets you name who should raise your children. Without this, the decision goes to the courts, and a judge will choose a guardian. Naming someone in your estate plan ensures your children are raised by someone you trust in a stable and familiar environment.</li>
<li><strong>Control their inheritance</strong>. A well-structured estate plan allows you to manage how and when your children receive their inheritance. For example, you can create a trust and decide when to distribute money and for what purposes, such as education, health care, or buying a home.</li>
<li><strong>Minimize conflict</strong>. When your wishes are clear in legal documents, it leaves less room for disagreements among family members. This can help prevent costly legal battles or emotional fights over who should care for the kids or how money should be used.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Estate planning for your family</h3>
<p>Many people believe estate planning is only for the very wealthy. But as you can see, managing an estate is important for everyone, regardless of income level. Consider reviewing your situation with a qualified expert to help create peace of mind for yourself and your loved ones. <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact our RRBB advisors</a> today.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/estate-planning-tips-for-every-family/">Estate planning tips for every family</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>2024 tax calendar</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/2024-tax-calendar/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Wed, 24 Jan 2024 19:03:56 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Employee Benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Small Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=6722</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>To help you make sure you don’t miss any important 2024 deadlines, we’ve provided this calendar of when various tax-related forms, payments, and other actions are due. Please review the calendar and contact our RRBB advisors if you have any questions about the deadlines or would like assistance meeting them. Date: Deadline for: January 31 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/2024-tax-calendar/">2024 tax calendar</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2377 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_164415176-300x195.jpg" alt="2024 Calendar for Tax Return Tips and first quarter estimates taxes" width="300" height="195" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_164415176-300x195.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_164415176-768x499.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_164415176.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />To help you make sure you don’t miss any important 2024 deadlines, we’ve provided this calendar of when various tax-related forms, payments, and other actions are due. Please review the calendar and <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contact our RRBB advisors</a> if you have any questions about the deadlines or would like assistance meeting them.</p>
<table style="height: 7606px;" width="1197">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="80"><strong>Date:</strong></td>
<td width="494"><strong>Deadline for:</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">January 31</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR) and paying tax due, to avoid penalties for underpaying the January 16 installment of estimated taxes.</p>
<p><strong>Businesses:</strong> Providing Form 1098, Form 1099-MISC (except for those that have a February 15 deadline), Form 1099-NEC and Form W-2G to recipients.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Providing 2023 Form W-2 to employees.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for fourth quarter 2023 (Form 941) if all associated taxes due <em>weren’t</em> deposited on time and in full.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Filing a 2023 return for federal unemployment taxes (Form 940) and paying any tax due if all associated taxes due <em>weren’t</em> deposited on time and in full.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Filing 2023 Form W-2 (Copy A) and transmittal Form W-3 with the Social Security Administration.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">February 12</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting January tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for fourth quarter 2023 (Form 941) if all associated taxes due were deposited on time and in full.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Filing a 2023 return for federal unemployment taxes (Form 940) if all associated taxes due were deposited on time and in full.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">February 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Filing a new Form W-4 to continue exemption for another year if you claimed exemption from federal income tax withholding in 2023.</p>
<p><strong>Businesses:</strong> Providing Form 1099-B, 1099-S and certain Forms 1099-MISC (those in which payments in Box 8 or Box 10 are being reported) to recipients.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for January if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for January if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">February 28</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Businesses:</strong> Filing Form 1098, Form 1099 (other than those with a January 31 deadline), Form W-2G and transmittal Form 1096 for interest, dividends and miscellaneous payments made during 2023. (Electronic filers can defer filing to March 31.)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">March 11</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting February tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">March 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Calendar-year S corporations:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1120-S) or filing for an automatic six-month extension (Form 7004) and paying any tax due.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year partnerships:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1065 or Form 1065-B) or requesting an automatic six-month extension (Form 7004).</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for February if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for February if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">April 1</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Employers:</strong> Electronically filing 2023 Form 1097, Form 1098, Form 1099 (other than those with an earlier deadline) and Form W-2G.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">April 10</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting March tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">April 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR) or filing for an automatic six-month extension (Form 4868) and paying any tax due. (See June 17 for an exception for certain taxpayers.)</p>
<p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Paying the first installment of 2024 estimated taxes (Form 1040-ES) if not paying income tax through withholding or not paying <em>sufficient</em> income tax through withholding.</p>
<p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Making 2023 contributions to a traditional IRA or Roth IRA (<em>even if</em> a 2023 income tax return extension is filed).</p>
<p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Making 2023 contributions to a SEP or certain other retirement plans (<em>unless</em> a 2023 income tax return extension is filed).</p>
<p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Filing a 2023 gift tax return (Form 709) or filing for an automatic six-month extension (Form 8892) and paying any gift tax due. Filing for an automatic six-month extension (Form 4868) to extend both Form 1040 and Form 709 if no gift tax is due.</p>
<p><strong>Household employers:</strong> Filing Schedule H, if wages paid equal $2,600 or more in 2023 and Form 1040 isn’t required to be filed. For those filing Form 1040, Schedule H is to be submitted with the return and is thus extended to the due date of the return.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year trusts and estates:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1041) or filing for an automatic five-and-a-half-month extension (Form 7004) (six-month extension for bankruptcy estates) and paying any income tax due.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year corporations:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1120) or filing for an automatic six-month extension (Form 7004) and paying any tax due.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year corporations:</strong> Paying the first installment of 2024 estimated income taxes, completing Form 1120-W for the corporation’s records.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for March if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for March if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">April 30</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for first quarter 2024 (Form 941) and paying any tax due if all associated taxes due <em>weren’t </em>deposited on time and in full.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">May 10</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting April tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for first quarter 2024 (Form 941) if all associated taxes due were deposited on time and in full.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">May 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for April if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers: </strong>Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for April if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year exempt organizations: </strong>Filing a 2023 information return (Form 990, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-PF) or filing for an automatic six-month extension (Form 8868) and paying any tax due.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year small exempt organizations (with gross receipts normally of $50,000 or less): </strong>Filing a 2023 e-Postcard (Form 990-N) if not filing Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">June 10</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting May tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">June 17</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Filing a 2023 individual income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR) or filing for a four-month extension (Form 4868), and paying any tax, interest and penalties due, if you live outside the United States or you serve in the military outside the United States and Puerto Rico.</p>
<p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Paying the second installment of 2024 estimated taxes (Form 1040-ES) if not paying income tax through withholding or not paying <em>sufficient</em> income tax through withholding.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year corporations:</strong> Paying the second installment of 2024 estimated income taxes, completing Form 1120-W for the corporation’s records.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for May if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for May if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">July 10</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting June tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">July 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for June if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for June if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">July 31</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for first quarter 2024 (Form 941) and paying any tax due if all associated taxes due <em>weren’t </em>deposited on time and in full.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Filing a 2023 calendar-year retirement plan report (Form 5500 or Form 5500-EZ) or requesting an extension.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">August 12</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting July tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for second quarter 2024 (Form 941) if all associated taxes due were deposited on time and in full.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">August 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for July if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for July if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">September 10</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting August tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">September 16</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Paying the third installment of 2024 estimated taxes (Form 1040-ES), if not paying income tax through withholding or not paying <em>sufficient</em>income tax through withholding.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year corporations:</strong> Paying the third installment of 2024 estimated income taxes, completing Form 1120-W for the corporation’s records.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year S corporations:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1120-S) and paying any tax, interest and penalties due, if an automatic six-month extension was filed.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year S corporations:</strong> Making contributions for 2023 to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans if an automatic six-month extension was filed.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year partnerships:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1065 or Form 1065-B) if an automatic six-month extension was filed.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for August if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for August if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">September 30</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Calendar-year trusts and estates:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1041) if an automatic five-and-a-half-month extension was filed and paying any tax, interest and penalties due.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">October 10</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting September tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">October 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR) if an automatic six-month extension was filed (or if an automatic four-month extension was filed by a taxpayer living outside the United States and Puerto Rico) and paying any tax, interest and penalties due.</p>
<p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Making contributions for 2023 to certain existing retirement plans or establishing and contributing to a SEP for 2023 if an automatic six-month extension was filed.</p>
<p><strong>Individuals:</strong> Filing a 2023 gift tax return (Form 709) and paying any tax, interest and penalties due if an automatic six-month extension was filed.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year C corporations:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1120) if an automatic six-month extension was filed and paying any tax, interest and penalties due.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year C corporations:</strong> Making contributions for 2023 to certain employer-sponsored retirement plans if an automatic six-month extension was filed.</p>
<p><strong>Calendar-year bankruptcy estates:</strong> Filing a 2023 income tax return (Form 1041) if an automatic six-month extension was filed and paying any tax, interest and penalties due.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for September if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for September if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">October 31</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for third quarter 2024 (Form 941) and paying any tax due if all associated taxes due <em>weren’t </em>deposited on time and in full.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">November 12</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting October tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Reporting Social Security and Medicare taxes and income tax withholding for third quarter 2024 (Form 941) if all associated taxes due were deposited on time and in full.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">November 15</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Exempt organizations:</strong> Filing a 2023 information return (Form 990, Form 990-EZ or Form 990-PF) if a six-month extension was filed and paying any tax, interest and penalties due.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for October if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for October if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">December 10</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Individuals:</strong> Reporting November tip income of $20 or more to employers (Form 4070).</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="80">December 16</td>
<td width="494"><strong>Calendar-year corporations:</strong> Paying the fourth installment of 2024 estimated income taxes, completing Form 1120-W for the corporation’s records.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing Social Security, Medicare and withheld income taxes for November if the monthly deposit rule applies.</p>
<p><strong>Employers:</strong> Depositing nonpayroll withheld income tax for November if the monthly deposit rule applies.</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><em>© 2024</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/2024-tax-calendar/">2024 tax calendar</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>Take action now to reduce your 2023 income tax bill – part two</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/take-action-now-to-reduce-your-2023-income-tax-bill-part-two/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Mon, 27 Nov 2023 19:17:43 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=6595</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>For many people, 2023 will be a confusing year to plan for taxes due to various issues. These include erratic markets, rising interest rates that are stabilizing, and notable modifications to the regulations governing retirement planning. You still have time to put year-end tax preparation techniques into place, which might lower your annual income tax [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/take-action-now-to-reduce-your-2023-income-tax-bill-part-two/">Take action now to reduce your 2023 income tax bill – part two</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6598 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11_09_23_2227642417_ETRA14_560x292-300x156.jpg" alt="reduce your 2023 income tax bill" width="300" height="156" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11_09_23_2227642417_ETRA14_560x292-300x156.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/11_09_23_2227642417_ETRA14_560x292.jpg 560w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">For many people, 2023 will be a confusing year to plan for taxes due to various issues. These include erratic markets, rising interest rates that are stabilizing, and notable modifications to the regulations governing retirement planning. You still have time to put year-end tax preparation techniques into place, which might lower your annual income tax burden, even though there is still much uncertainty. Here are some actions on how to reduce your income tax bills in 2023, along with those pointed out in <a href="https://rrbb.com/reduce-your-2023-income-tax-bill/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the first part of this two-part blog series</a>.</span></p>
<h3>Leverage your charitable giving options</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can enhance the amount that your itemized deductions include from charitable contributions in several ways. For instance, you may give away valuable possessions you&#8217;ve owned for at least a year. You can deduct the fair market value of donated investments and the cost basis for nonstock donations, in addition to avoiding capital gains tax and, if applicable, the net investment income tax on the appreciation. Remember that the deduction for charitable contributions is subject to adjusted gross income, or AGI, based limitations.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You may also choose to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from a retirement account that has required minimum distributions (RMDs), even though it won&#8217;t affect your charitable contribution deduction. After age 75, you may donate up to $100,000 annually (indexed annually for inflation) to a qualified charity. The payout is considered an RMD subtracted from your taxable income. Still, it does not count toward your charitable deduction.</span></p>
<h3>Execute a Roth conversion</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Because you can convert more shares without increasing your income tax obligation, recent market dips may also make this a wise time to consider converting part or all of your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Yes, the amount converted will be subject to income tax in 2023. However, you can reduce the impact by converting solely to the maximum amount allowed under your current tax band.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Furthermore, the long-term advantages may offset the immediate tax impact. The cash will grow tax-free after conversion. If you have owned the account for at least five years, you can often take &#8220;qualified distributions&#8221; tax-free. Roth IRAs are exempt from RMD requirements. Additionally, you can take out tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals from a Roth IRA for qualified higher education expenses (with no cap), eligible birth or adoption expenses (up to $5,000), and qualified first-time home purchase (up to $10,000).</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">However, remember that you can have a more significant AGI after a Roth conversion. This could reduce the tax advantages you receive concerning your modified AGI that phase out.</span></p>
<h3>Review your estate plan</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Although your estate plan shouldn&#8217;t impact your income taxes in 2023, it&#8217;s a good idea to examine it now because the TCJA&#8217;s significant gift and estate tax exemptions will expire at the end of 2025. In 2018, for instance, the TCJA almost doubled the exemption to $12.92 million (or $25.84 million for married couples). Reverting to the $5 million pre-TCJA level (adjusted for inflation) could significantly impact your estate strategy.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Additionally, some estate planning techniques might be more appealing given the persistently high-interest rate environment. For instance, gifts to charitable remainder trusts and qualifying personal dwelling trusts typically have a reduced value at high-interest rates.</span></p>
<h3>How to reduce your income tax bills</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Naturally, you should also always consider the time-tested strategies for lowering your taxes, like delaying income and increasing spending. Of course, these strategies are useless if you anticipate <a href="https://rrbb.com/how-the-2024-cost-of-living-adjustment-numbers-affect-your-year-end-tax-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">being in a higher tax bracket in 2024</a>. We can assist you in charting the best path for your situation. <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact our RRBB advisors</a> if you have any questions.</span></p>
<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">© 2023</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/take-action-now-to-reduce-your-2023-income-tax-bill-part-two/">Take action now to reduce your 2023 income tax bill – part two</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>How the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment numbers affect your year-end tax planning – part two</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/how-2024-cost-of-living-adjustment-affects-year-end-tax-and-estate-planning/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Thu, 16 Nov 2023 13:55:37 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retirement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=6578</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The IRS released the 2024 cost-of-living adjustments for over 60 tax provisions recently. Though not as much as in the previous year, several amounts will grow over 2023 as inflation moderates slightly this year compared to last. Remember to account for these 2024 modifications when you apply your 2023 year-end tax preparation and estate planning [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/how-2024-cost-of-living-adjustment-affects-year-end-tax-and-estate-planning/">How the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment numbers affect your year-end tax planning – part two</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6574 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Calculating-Cost-of-Living-300x200.jpg" alt="2024 cost-of-living adjustment" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Calculating-Cost-of-Living-300x200.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Calculating-Cost-of-Living-768x512.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Calculating-Cost-of-Living.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The <a href="https://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRS</a> released the 2024 cost-of-living adjustments for over 60 tax provisions recently. Though not as much as in the previous year, several amounts will grow over 2023 as inflation moderates slightly this year compared to last. Remember to account for these 2024 modifications when you apply your 2023 year-end tax preparation and estate planning techniques.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Remember that the chained consumer price index, or C-CPI-U, is used to compute annual inflation adjustments under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Compared to the prior use of the consumer price index, this results in a slower rate of increase in tax bracket thresholds, the standard deduction, some exemptions, and other statistics. This could eventually push taxpayers into higher tax brackets and reduce the value of different deductions. The C-CPI-U is now a significant element of the TCJA permanently.</span></p>
<h3>Education and child-related tax breaks</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In 2024, the maximum advantages of particular education and childcare breaks will not change. However, the cap on most of these deductions is the taxpayer&#8217;s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI). Partial breaks are available to taxpayers whose MAGIs fall within the applicable phaseout range. There will no longer be breaks for taxpayers whose MAGIs are higher than the upper limit of the range.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Depending on the break, the MAGI phaseout ranges will either largely stay the same or slightly rise in 2024. For instance:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">American Opportunity Credit.</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> The MAGI value used by joint filers to calculate the reduction in the American Opportunity Credit is not increased for inflation for tax years starting after December 31, 2020. The phaseout gradually eliminates this credit for taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds $80,000 ($160,000 for combined returns). Each qualified student may receive up to $2,500 in credits.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Lifetime Learning Credit.</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> The MAGI value used by joint filers to calculate the reduction in the Lifetime Learning credit is not inflation-adjusted for tax years starting after December 31, 2020. The phaseout also gradually eliminates this credit for taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds $80,000 ($160,000 for combined returns). For each tax return, the maximum credit is $2,000.</span></li>
<li><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Adoption Credit.</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> In 2024, the phaseout range will rise by $12,920 for qualified taxpayers who adopt a child. The range for joint, head-of-household, and single filers will be $252,150–$292,150. In 2024, the maximum credit will rise by $860 to $16,810.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">(Note: Generally, married couples filing separately do not receive these credits.)</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">These are just a few tax benefits for education and children you can be eligible for. Remember that your child may be able to claim a tax break on their return if your MAGI is too high for you to qualify for one for your child&#8217;s schooling.</span></p>
<h3>Gift tax and estate planning</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption and the unified gift and estate tax exemption are subject to yearly adjustments for inflation. Therefore, the amount will increase to $13.61 million in 2024 from $12.92 million in 2023.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In 2024, the annual gift tax exemption will rise to $18,000, a $1,000 increase.</span></p>
<h3>Retirement plans</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In 2024, almost all retirement plan-related caps will rise. Therefore, if you have already contributed the maximum amount permitted, you may have a few options to grow your retirement savings, depending on your plan type.</span></p>
<table style="height: 335px;" width="1186">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="340"><strong>Types of limitation</strong></td>
<td width="70"><strong>2023 limit</strong></td>
<td width="70"><strong>2024 limit</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Elective deferrals to 401(k), 403(b), 457(b)(2) and 457(c)(1) plans</td>
<td width="70">$22,500</td>
<td width="70">$23,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Annual benefit limit for defined benefit plans</td>
<td width="70">$265,000</td>
<td width="70">$275,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Contributions to defined contribution plans</td>
<td width="70">$66,000</td>
<td width="70">$69,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Contributions to SIMPLEs</td>
<td width="70">$15,500</td>
<td width="70">$16,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Contributions to traditional and Roth IRAs</td>
<td width="70">$6,500</td>
<td width="70">$7,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">“Catch-up” contributions to 401(k), 403(b), 457(b)(2) and 457(c)(1) plans for those age 50 and older</td>
<td width="70">$7,500</td>
<td width="70">$7,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Catch-up contributions to SIMPLEs</td>
<td width="70">$3,500</td>
<td width="70">$3,500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Catch-up contributions to IRAs</td>
<td width="70">$1,000</td>
<td width="70">$1,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Compensation for benefit purposes for qualified plans and SEPs</td>
<td width="70">$330,000</td>
<td width="70">$345,000</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Minimum compensation for SEP coverage</td>
<td width="70">$750</td>
<td width="70">$750</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="340">Highly compensated employee threshold</td>
<td width="70">$150,000</td>
<td width="70">$155,000</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Depending on your MAGI, your ability to benefit from IRAs may be limited or eliminated</span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">. Thankfully, the MAGI phaseout range restrictions on IRAs will all rise in 2024:</span></p>
<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Traditional IRAs.</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> When it comes to the deductibility of contributions, the MAGI phaseout ranges apply to taxpayers (or their spouses) who take part in employer-sponsored retirement plans:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The phaseout range for married taxpayers filing jointly varies for each spouse according to whether they are members of an employer-sponsored plan.</span>
<ul>
<li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">A participating spouse&#8217;s 2024 phaseout range limits will rise by $7,000 to $123,000–$143,000.</span></li>
<li class="ql-indent-1"><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The 2024 phaseout range restrictions for a spouse who chooses not to participate will rise by $12,000 to $230,000–$240,000.</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The 2024 phaseout range limitations for head-of-household and single taxpayers enrolled in employer-sponsored plans will rise by $4,000 to $77,000–$87,000.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Contributions to an IRA may only be partially deductible by taxpayers whose MAGIs fall within the required range; taxpayers whose MAGIs exceed that range are not eligible to deduct any contributions.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">However, taxpayers may make nondeductible conventional IRA contributions even with a lower deduction or none at all. The 2024 contribution cap of $7,000 (less any Roth IRA contributions) and any relevant $1,000 catch-up remain in effect. Suppose your MAGI prevents you from contributing to a Roth IRA or the total amount allowed. In that case, you may still benefit from nondeductible conventional IRA contributions.</span></p>
<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Roth IRAs.</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Your capacity to contribute to a Roth IRA is unaffected by whether or not you participate in an employer-sponsored plan. Still, you may not be able to make contributions within MAGI limits.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The 2024 phaseout range limits for married taxpayers filing jointly will rise by $12,000 to $230,000–$240,000.</span></li>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The 2024 phaseout range limitations for head-of-household and single taxpayers will increase by $8,000 to $146,000–$161,000.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If your MAGI is within the applicable range, you can contribute somewhat; if it is above the range, you cannot.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">(Note: Phaseout ranges for traditional and Roth IRAs are significantly lower for married taxpayers filing separately.)</span></p>
<h3>Tax and estate planning for 2024</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You may receive some tax relief the next year because many of the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment levels are moving upward. Furthermore, you can increase your retirement savings because of specific constraints associated with retirement plans that are also growing. Check out the first blog post in this two-part series for more information on <a href="https://rrbb.com/how-the-2024-cost-of-living-adjustment-numbers-affect-your-year-end-tax-planning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">individual income taxes and the alternative minimum tax</a>. Please <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contact our RRBB advisors</a> if you have any questions about the most effective tax-saving tactics in light of the 2024 figures. We would gladly assist with your tax, retirement, and estate planning.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">© 2023</span></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/how-2024-cost-of-living-adjustment-affects-year-end-tax-and-estate-planning/">How the 2024 cost-of-living adjustment numbers affect your year-end tax planning – part two</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>Deciding whether to make lifetime gifts or bequests at death can be a deceptively complex question</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/deciding-whether-to-make-lifetime-gifts-or-bequests-at-death/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:08:30 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=6537</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Passing on as much of your fortune to your family as possible may be one of your primary estate planning objectives. Protecting your estate from gift and estate taxes entails doing that. Making gifts throughout your lifetime is one way to do this. Given the inflation-adjusted $12.92 million gift and estate tax exemption, current tax rules [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/deciding-whether-to-make-lifetime-gifts-or-bequests-at-death/">Deciding whether to make lifetime gifts or bequests at death can be a deceptively complex question</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2270 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting-300x200.jpg" alt="giving excess gifts and filing a gift tax return vs. bequests" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting-300x200.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting-768x512.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Couple-Gifting.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Passing on as much of your fortune to your family as possible may be one of your primary estate planning objectives. Protecting your estate from gift and estate taxes entails doing that. Making gifts throughout your lifetime is one way to do this. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Given the inflation-adjusted $12.92 million gift and estate tax exemption, current tax rules may make that an alluring proposal. Making lifetime gifts, however, is only appropriate for some. There may be tax benefits to preserving assets in your estate and leaving bequests at death, depending on your circumstances. So, gifts vs. bequests? Which is right for you?</span></p>
<h3>Tax consequences of gifts vs. bequests</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Making gifts during your lifetime has the main benefit of protecting future appreciation from estate tax. This is accomplished by eliminating assets from your estate. However, there is a downside: the recipient obtains a &#8220;carryover&#8221; tax basis, meaning they take on your asset&#8217;s basis. A sale of a gifted item will result in capital gains taxes on the difference if the basis is low compared to the fair market value (FMV).</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">However, at the moment, an asset transferred upon death is given a &#8220;stepped-up basis&#8221; equal to its FMV on the day of death. According to this, the recipient can sell it with little to no capital gains tax liability. Which approach—transferring an asset by gift (now) or by bequest (later)—has the lower tax cost? Multiple variables play a role in determining the answer, such as:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The basis-to-FMV ratio of the asset</span></li>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The likelihood that its value will increase in the future</span></li>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Your exposure to gift and estate taxes now and in the future</span></li>
<li><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The recipient&#8217;s time horizon or how long you anticipate them to keep the asset after receiving it</span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Estate tax law changes ahead</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Knowing when to transfer wealth can be challenging because so much depends on the future of the gift and estate tax system. The base gift and estate tax exemption threshold will revert to an inflation-adjusted $5 million in 2026, absent further legislation from <a href="https://www.congress.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Congress</a>. With correctly crafted trusts, it may be feasible to lessen the effects of this uncertainty.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Let&#8217;s imagine the exemption for gift and estate taxes will soon decrease drastically. You transfer valued assets to an irrevocable trust to take advantage of the present exemption, avoiding gift tax and protecting future gains from estate tax. The assets go to your beneficiaries on a carryover basis. When they sell, they will be subject to capital gains taxes.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Imagine that the exemption amount has increased or remained unchanged after you pass away rather than decreased. The trust grants the trustee specific powers that, if used, would include the assets in your estate to protect against this risk. The increased exemption thus protects all or most of the asset appreciation from estate taxes. Your beneficiaries will benefit from a stepped-up basis.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Don&#8217;t hesitate to <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contact our RRBB advisors</a> to monitor legislative changes and modify your estate plan as necessary. We can offer tactics for incorporating flexibility into your plan to lessen the impact of upcoming tax changes.</span></p>
<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">© 2023</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/deciding-whether-to-make-lifetime-gifts-or-bequests-at-death/">Deciding whether to make lifetime gifts or bequests at death can be a deceptively complex question</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>Don’t overlook these two essential estate planning strategies</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/two-essential-estate-planning-strategies/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Mon, 18 Sep 2023 19:47:50 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=6471</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Many tools and methods can help minimize your taxable estate and guarantee your final wishes come true. Many should implement these two essential strategies outlined below in their estate planning. Take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion Don&#8217;t undervalue the ability to make annual exclusion gifts to reduce your tax burden. The exclusion rose [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/two-essential-estate-planning-strategies/">Don’t overlook these two essential estate planning strategies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-6302 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Savings-300x200.jpg" alt="Essential Estate Planning Strategies for Tax beneficial savings" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Savings-300x200.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Savings-768x512.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Savings.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Many tools and methods can help minimize your taxable estate and guarantee your final wishes come true. Many should implement these two essential strategies outlined below in their estate planning.</span></p>
<h3>Take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Don&#8217;t undervalue the ability to make annual exclusion gifts to reduce your tax burden. The exclusion rose to $17,000 per recipient for 2023 ($34,000 if you divide presents with your spouse), an increase of $1,000.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Consider, for example, Jim and Joan combining their $17,000 yearly exclusions for 2023. This would result in each of their three children, their spouses, and their six grandchildren receiving $34,000. The couple&#8217;s estates are then reduced by a tax-free $408,000 this year ($34,000 multiplied by 12).</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">What if, instead, the identical sums transfer to the beneficiaries upon Jim&#8217;s or Joan&#8217;s passing? The excess of the federal gift and estate tax exemption ($12.92 million in 2023) that their estate would receive would be subject to taxation. The tax burden would be at the current 40% rate if neither a gift or estate tax exemption nor a generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption were available. Therefore, giving gifts that qualify for the annual exclusion could result in significant tax savings for the family.</span></p>
<h3>Use an ILIT to hold life insurance</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you have a life insurance policy, be aware that if your estate exceeds a specific threshold, estate tax may take a sizable amount of the proceeds. Your estate tax rate, the gift and gift tax exemption available at your death, and other factors will determine the precise amount.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The proceeds will not count toward your taxable estate if you don&#8217;t hold the insurance policy, though. Establishing an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT) is a successful way to keep life insurance out of your estate.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">An ILIT owns and manages one or more life insurance policies, which are distributed per your instructions. So, you have no authority over the policy, including the ability to modify the beneficiary. However, you can design the trust to lend money to your estate. This may include paying estate taxes or other liquidity requirements.</span></p>
<h3>Essential estate planning strategies for you</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Remember that these two common tactics might not be appropriate for your estate plan. <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact our RRBB advisors</a> today. We can provide you with more information about each and assist you in deciding which is best for you.</span></p>
<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">© 2023</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/two-essential-estate-planning-strategies/">Don’t overlook these two essential estate planning strategies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>Prepare for an uncertain federal gift and estate tax exemption amount with a SLAT</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/avoid-federal-gift-and-estate-tax-uncertainty-slat/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:00:56 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=6202</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The federal exemption from gift and estate tax for 2023 is $12.92 million ($25.84 million for married couples). However, if Congress does nothing, it will only be $5 million ($10 million for married couples) on January 1, 2026. According to current projections, such sums should increase by about $6 million and $12 million, respectively, to [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/avoid-federal-gift-and-estate-tax-uncertainty-slat/">Prepare for an uncertain federal gift and estate tax exemption amount with a SLAT</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-2245 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_1192766221-300x200.jpg" alt="SLAT Spousal Trust" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_1192766221-300x200.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_1192766221-768x512.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/shutterstock_1192766221.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />The federal exemption from gift and estate tax for 2023 is $12.92 million ($25.84 million for married couples). However, if <a href="https://www.congress.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Congress</a> does nothing, it will only be $5 million ($10 million for married couples) on January 1, 2026. According to current projections, such sums should increase by about $6 million and $12 million, respectively, to account for inflation.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Consider using planning strategies now that can help lessen or eliminate gift and estate tax obligations in the future if you anticipate that the value of your estate will exceed those estimated exemption amounts by 2026. A <a href="https://rrbb.com/opening-up-to-slat-opportunities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT)</a> is one such method. A SLAT offers a safety net in case your needs alter in the future. It also allows you to remove a sizable amount of cash from your estate tax-free.</span></p>
<h3>SLAT basics</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">A SLAT is an irrevocable trust that enables the trustee to pay your spouse while they are still alive, should the need arise. The purpose of creating a SLAT is to provide income to your spouse during their lifetime while benefiting your children or other heirs.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You can transfer assets from your estate to the trust as completed gifts. However, since your spouse is a trust beneficiary, you still have indirect access to it. Typically, you would select a separate trustee with complete authority to distribute funds to your spouse.</span></p>
<h3>Beware of potential pitfalls</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">To minimize unintended outcomes, SLATs must be appropriately prepared and written. For instance, you must give to the trust using separate property to avoid the assets in the trust being in your spouse&#8217;s estate. If you reside in a community property state, this may necessitate further planning. After funding the trust, keeping the trust assets separate from the marital or communal property is crucial.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The benefits of a SLAT depend on your spouse&#8217;s indirect access to the trust. Therefore, your marriage must be solid for this method to be effective. Additionally, there&#8217;s a chance that if your spouse dies before you do, you&#8217;ll lose the security that a SLAT offers. Setting up two SLATs is one approach to spreading your risks. You could make one with your spouse as a beneficiary and your spouse would create another with you as a beneficiary.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">To circumvent the reciprocal trust doctrine, you must carefully plan if you and your spouse each create a SLAT. According to that doctrine, the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IRS</a> could annul the agreement if it determines that the two trusts are connected and put you and your spouse in a similar financial situation to what would have happened if you had individually established a trust for your personal benefit. The trusts&#8217; terms should change so that they are not nearly identical to prevent this consequence.</span></p>
<h3>Federal gift and estate tax exemption</h3>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact our RRBB accountants and advisors</a> for more information.</span></p>
<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">© 2023</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/avoid-federal-gift-and-estate-tax-uncertainty-slat/">Prepare for an uncertain federal gift and estate tax exemption amount with a SLAT</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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		<title>You’ve received a sizable inheritance: Now what?</title>
		<link>https://rrbb.com/receiving-an-inheritance/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[RRBB]]></dc:creator>
		<pubdate>Tue, 16 May 2023 12:00:22 +0000</pubdate>
				<category><![CDATA[Estate Planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tax]]></category>
		<guid ispermalink="false">https://rrbb.com/?p=6155</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>It may be tempting to think of a sizeable inheritance you&#8217;ve recently received or will soon receive as &#8220;found money&#8221; that can be used at will. But it&#8217;s a good idea to have a strategy for receiving an inheritance unless your current financial plan guarantees that you&#8217;ll be able to achieve all of your goals [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/receiving-an-inheritance/">You’ve received a sizable inheritance: Now what?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-3519 alignleft" src="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Elderly-Caregiver-300x200.jpg" alt="Tax Break for Elderly Caregiver(s) Receiving an Inheritance" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Elderly-Caregiver-300x200.jpg 300w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Elderly-Caregiver-768x512.jpg 768w, https://rrbb.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Elderly-Caregiver.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />It may be tempting to think of a sizeable inheritance you&#8217;ve recently received or will soon receive as &#8220;found money&#8221; that can be used at will. But it&#8217;s a good idea to have a strategy for receiving an inheritance unless your current financial plan guarantees that you&#8217;ll be able to achieve all of your goals comfortably.</span></p>
<h3>Receiving an inheritance</h3>
<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Take time to reflect. </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">You don&#8217;t need to take immediate action after receiving an inheritance. Instead, consider the inheritance&#8217;s impact on your financial condition, speak with dependable professionals, and carefully consider your choices. You may find that an accountant, attorney, and financial advisor can be extremely helpful in this situation. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Place cash or investments in a bank or brokerage account while making plans. If you&#8217;re married, you might hold the assets in a separate account under your name. In a divorce, an inheritance is often your individual property. However, in combination with marital money in a joint account, it may no longer have that status.</span></p>
<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Avoid making quick financial commitments. </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Only begin spending or make financial obligations based on your inheritance if the administrator still handles your loved one&#8217;s estate once you know your share of the estate&#8217;s net proceeds. The ultimate payment can be less than anticipated if all fees and taxes are considered. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you&#8217;re getting your inheritance through a trust, speak with the trustee. You&#8217;ll want to acquaint yourself with its provisions and ensure you comprehend the time, amount, and distribution requirements.</span></p>
<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Beware of income and estate tax consequences. </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Although an inheritance is typically exempt from income tax, the assets you receive may affect your future tax obligations. For instance, some assets that generate income, such as those from real estate, an investment portfolio, or a retirement plan, may significantly raise your taxable income or even place you in a higher tax bracket. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The inheritance can affect your estate plan, depending on its amount. Talk to your advisor about ways to lower taxes and preserve as much money as you can for your heirs if it raises the worth of your estate to the point where estate tax is a problem.</span></p>
<h3>Financial planning</h3>
<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Review and revise your financial plan. </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Separating an inheritance from your other assets could promote irrational, unexpected spending. Integrating inherited assets into your entire financial plan is a better strategy. </span><span data-preserver-spaces="true">If you have credit card or other high-interest debt, consider using some of the inheritance money to pay it off or start an emergency fund. The remainder should be accessible with other assets to pay for your retirement, your children&#8217;s college costs, travel, or other financial objectives.</span></p>
<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">There is nothing wrong with taking a small share of a large inheritance and treating yourself a little. However, it would be best to approach inherited assets the same way you would treat assets you have earned over time and include them in a thorough financial plan. You should include any inherited property in your estate plan as well. <a href="https://rrbb.com/contact/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact our RRBB accountants and advisors</a> for further details.</span></p>
<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">© 2023</span></em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://rrbb.com/receiving-an-inheritance/">You’ve received a sizable inheritance: Now what?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://rrbb.com">RRBB</a>.</p>
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