By Brendan Walsh | bwalsh@atlaspwm.com
As stock shares generally appreciate in value over longer periods we should know that eventually, we will have to pay taxes when we sell the shares. The question then becomes, what are some strategies to lower the capital gains hit?
By John C. Ogle | jcogle@atlaspwm.com
With the recent increase in market instability, we have been working diligently to analyze it all and define the path to set for the future. So, we want to take the time to briefly share our views with the hope that we can provide some consolation and guidance as we begin the New Year.
By Justin Bogardus | jbogardus@atlaspwm.com
Advance planning will help you understand how your assets will be transferred and will help ensure your wishes are carried out. It may also assist your beneficiaries and heirs in avoiding unnecessary delays.
Investment losses happen, it’s just part of owning a diversified investment portfolio. Tax-loss harvesting is a way for investors to realize, or “harvest,” these investment losses in order to lower their tax liability.
With the lure of tax-free distributions, Roth IRAs have become increasingly popular retirement savings vehicles. According to the 2016 Investment Company Fact Book, 20 million U.S. households (about 16.3%) owned Roth IRAs in 2015.
Tis the season for giving, as the clock runs down on 2016. This is a good time to think about year-end gifting. I’m talking more than the usual presents under the tree.
Currently the individual 2016 and 2017 annual gift exclusion amount is $14,000 per any one individual. You can gift up to the exclusion to anyone (not just family members) and any number of people, without the need to report the gift or incur any gift tax. Married couples can gift twice as much ($28,000) using gift splitting (this requires them to file a gift tax return using IRS Form 709).
We all have a lifetime exclusion. This is the amount above the $14,000 annual limit that we may gift during our lifetime without incurring gift taxes. For 2016, that amount is $5,450,000, and in 2017 it increases to $5,490,000.