It’s been a long time coming, but next year, for the first time, some taxpayers will have a new filing option: a free tax prep software program created by the IRS and named “Direct File.” The roll-out will be slow. Direct File will be available only in thirteen states, including New York. Note that the […]
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SECURE 2.0 Opens Door for Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (“QLAC”)
Back in the spring, in a rare show of bipartisan action, the House and Senate passed a law intended to give Americans an incentive to save for retirement. The bill received over 400 votes in the House and over 80 in the Senate. The bill, dubbed SECURE 2.0, is a follow-up to the SECURE Act. […]
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IRS Raises Tax Brackets and Standard Deduction in Response to Inflation
In the largest automatic adjustment to the standard deduction since core features of the tax system were indexed to inflation in 1985, the IRS has increased key tax code parameters for 2023 to reflect high inflation rates. The top 37% top marginal tax rate will apply to individual income above $578,125 and married couples’ income […]
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Inflation’s Impact on Estate and Gift Tax Exclusions
Most of our content is original, but every now and then I come across an article I believe is so important I want to be sure clients, colleagues and friends have an opportunity to read it. Thanks to Steve Leimberg and Peter Tucci, as per the citation at the end of the article. The following […]
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No Inheritance Tax for Charles III
It’s good to be King. One of many reasons— not having to pay any inheritance taxes. For example, King Charles III inherited a royal-sized inheritance, as if becoming the King of the United Kingdom wasn’t enough, and it’s primarily tax-free. Charles takes the title of Duke of Lancaster and the corresponding duchy, valued at $750 […]
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Football Season Begins—But Franchise Owner Estate Battles Are Forever
With 11 controlling owners of NFL franchises 75 years and older, the next few years will see many teams changing ownership and the potential for epic battles off the field. Ten years before his death, the Denver Bronco’s owner Pat Bowlen did what he was supposed to do. He met with attorneys to create a […]
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IRS Waiving Late Filing Penalties
The IRS announced yesterday its waiving $1.2 billion in late-filing penalties for income tax returns, letting about 1.6 million taxpayers off the hook. What is behind this decision from an agency not known for forgiveness? From our perspective, the reason is less about caring for taxpayers and more about an organizational disaster. The IRS has […]
Continue reading…IRS Extends Time to File for Portability Election from Two to Five Years After Death
The IRS has added a rare spot of good news this summer. On July 8, the Internal Revenue Service released procedures extending the time when a surviving spouse can file an estate tax return to elect portability without a private letter ruling from two years after death to five years after death. Revenue Procedure 2022-32 […]
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Are You Ready for the SECURE Act’s Next Act? SECURE 2.0 Update
The latest version of SECURE Act 2.0, Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022, made it through the House of Representatives on March 29. Next is getting through the Senate, which is expected soon. Once it does, and after President Biden signs the bill into law, here’s what will change: Employees will be automatically enrolled […]
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When Can You Use E-Signatures on IRS Forms?
In the past two years, many traditional processes in the world of taxes and the law have been transformed by necessity, using digital signatures, or e-signatures, for many financial and legal documents. With many offices and courts re-opening and returning to pre-COVID processes, the IRS has recently reported that it will continue to allow taxpayers […]
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