tax planning
11 Surprising Things That Are Taxable
11 Surprising Things That Are Taxable
If you picked up any of the income or property on our list, make sure you declare it on your next tax return.
December 3, 2020
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
13 States That Tax Social Security Benefits
You may have dreamed of a tax-free retirement, but if you live in these 13 states, your Social Security benefits are subject to a state tax. That's on…
December 2, 2020
18 States With Scary Death Taxes
18 States With Scary Death Taxes
Federal estate taxes are no longer a problem for all but the extremely wealthy, but several states have their own estate taxes and inheritance taxes t…
December 2, 2020
10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
10 States with the Highest Gas Taxes
COVID-19 has made us appreciate driving our cars more, but filling up the tank will cost you more in these state.
November 23, 2020
10 States With the Lowest Gas Taxes
10 States With the Lowest Gas Taxes
Saving money is a marathon not a sprint. And even low gas taxes can help keep money in your pocket.
November 21, 2020
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11 Year-End Moves to Lower Your 2020 Tax Bill
11 Year-End Moves to Lower Your 2020 Tax Bill
What you do between now and the end of the year can have a significant impact on how much tax you have to pay next April.
November 17, 2020
The 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
The 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
If a move from one state to another is in your future, you could save big bucks by relocating to one of these states where the tax bite is light for m…
November 16, 2020
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Middle-Class Families
Failing to consider state and local taxes before moving your family to another state could cost you thousands of dollars each year.
November 16, 2020
Biden's Plan to Tax the Rich Faces Roadblocks
Biden's Plan to Tax the Rich Faces Roadblocks
The president-elect is unlikely to get much on his wish list, with the Democratic majority in the House narrowed and the GOP likely keeping control of…
November 16, 2020
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States for Military Retirees
Unfortunately, some states aren't very generous when it comes to helping retired veterans at tax time.
November 15, 2020
The Best Gifting Strategy of Our Era
The Best Gifting Strategy of Our Era
With taxes likely to rise in the coming decades, the normal methods of providing a financial legacy for our family could be heavily taxed. But, by cle…
November 12, 2020
Will Joe Biden Raise YOUR Taxes?
Will Joe Biden Raise YOUR Taxes?
During the campaign, Joe Biden promised that he would raise taxes for some people. Will you be one of them?
November 10, 2020
Retirees, Make the Most of Your Home Equity
Retirees, Make the Most of Your Home Equity
A home equity loan or home equity line of credit may be perfect for your retirement finances. But don't delay; a fee increase is coming.
November 2, 2020
The 2021 Capital Gains Tax Rate Thresholds Are Out – What Rate Will You Pay?
The 2021 Capital Gains Tax Rate Thresholds Are Out – What Rate Will You Pay?
Which tax rate applies to your 2021 long-term capital gains will depend on your taxable income.
October 27, 2020
IRS Releases Income Tax Brackets for 2021
IRS Releases Income Tax Brackets for 2021
The tax rates didn't change, but the tax bracket income ranges for the 2021 tax year are adjusted to account for inflation.
October 27, 2020
What Are the Income Tax Brackets for 2020?
What Are the Income Tax Brackets for 2020?
Depending on your taxable income, you can end up in one of seven different federal income tax brackets – each with its own marginal tax rate.
October 27, 2020
Election 2020: Joe Biden's Tax Plans
Election 2020: Joe Biden's Tax Plans
With the economy still in trouble, tax policy takes on added importance in the 2020 election. So, let's take a look at what Joe Biden wants to do abou…
October 22, 2020
Your Financial Planner, CPA and Attorney Work Best When They Work Together
Your Financial Planner, CPA and Attorney Work Best When They Work Together
Financial advisers are able to provide you with better holistic advice when they are able to collaborate with their clients’ accountants and attorneys…
October 22, 2020
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2020
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2020
The Roth IRA contribution limit remains the same for 2020 as it was for 2019. Retirement savers 50 and older can contribute an extra amount. Income li…
October 1, 2020
What to Know About the Tax Extension Deadline on October 15 (Ep. 46 Rebroadcast)
What to Know About the Tax Extension Deadline on October 15 (Ep. 46 Rebroadcast)
Kiplinger.com tax editor Rocky Mengle joins host Ryan Ermey to discuss what you should know about the October 15 tax extension deadline. Also, Kipling…
September 29, 2020
With Estate Taxes on Sale Now, You Snooze, You Lose!
With Estate Taxes on Sale Now, You Snooze, You Lose!
You may want to consider gifting your home — or maybe a fractional interest in it — as well as using an irrevocable trust before it’s too late.
September 25, 2020
The Annuity With a Tax-Planning Twist
The Annuity With a Tax-Planning Twist
A qualified life annuity contract helps retirees with guaranteed payments to last their entire lives.
September 21, 2020
Most-Overlooked Tax Breaks for the Newly Divorced
Most-Overlooked Tax Breaks for the Newly Divorced
Filing taxes after a divorce can add yet another problem to an already long list of challenges. But here are some tips to make your return to single l…
September 18, 2020
What Trump's Payroll Tax Cut Will Mean for You
What Trump's Payroll Tax Cut Will Mean for You
President Trump issued an executive order to suspend the collection of Social Security payroll taxes. How much could it save you?
September 17, 2020
When Are 2020 Estimated Tax Payments Due?
When Are 2020 Estimated Tax Payments Due?
If you're self-employed or don't have taxes withheld from other sources of taxable income, it's up to you to periodically pay the IRS by making estima…
September 11, 2020