Income tax planning – how Rockbridge can help
It’s tax time again and as you gather your W2s, 1099s, and maybe even your K-1s, we thought it would be a good time to explain our income tax planning approach. Income tax planning is a crucial aspect of the overall financial planning process. To some degree, taxes impact every area of your financial plan. […]
A look at the new U.S. tax law
As you are likely aware, Congress has recently passed significant changes to the tax law. These changes are effective beginning in tax year 2018, with many of the changes for individuals set to sunset after 2025. The summary below is a high-level overview of many of the most relevant changes that will impact people’s taxes. […]
Surprising New Changes To Social Security
Recently, Congress included surprising Social Security rule changes in the 2016 budget legislation. The bill has now become law and the updated rules will become permanent over a phase-in time period. We wanted to reach out to all of our clients to help better explain what you may be hearing in the news and describe […]
Changing Your Domicile from NYS
Would you stop being a fan of the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Bills or the Syracuse Orangemen and root for a team in Florida in order to save on your tax bill? It might help! Many New York State residents planning for retirement expect to maintain a residence in New York, but claim another state […]
SURPRISES AT TAX TIME
As a volunteer tax preparer for the AARP, I often review tax statements from many different brokers and investment companies. The Income Tax preparation process always seems to identify examples of the value of working with a trusted investment advisor. Here are some examples from my experiences as a volunteer tax preparer for AARP from […]
Action Required: NYS STAR Registration Not Automatically Renewed
For almost all New York State homeowners, the School Tax Relief (STAR) program reduces the amount of property tax owed. This program saves families hundreds of dollars every year. Previously, a new homeowner registered for the STAR property tax exemption when purchasing a home. After the initial application, the STAR exemption was carried forward into […]
Are You Prepared? New York State Estate Tax
Now that we are halfway through 2013 and the federal estate tax debate is far behind us, it is a good time to remember that as New York State residents, we are still subject to the state estate tax. A common phrase is, “Estate tax, I’m not wealthy enough to have to worry about that!” […]
Part 4: What Opportunities Have I Missed?
The last part of our “Why to Use a Financial Advisor” series involves missed opportunities. Knowing there are unknowns out there in financial planning is the first step in identifying areas that can be improved. A few examples of common missed items that we optimize for clients are: 529 Savings Plan in NYS – New […]
The 2012 Income Tax Season Observations
I haven’t come across many new issues this tax season, but, as usual, a few surprises have popped up. Make Work Pay Credit Gone Many are disappointed with the amount of refund or amount owed compared to last year, primarily due to the elimination of the Make Work Pay credit that could be as great […]
Tales from the Tax Prep Front Lines
Tax preparation gives interesting insight about personal financial situations. Here are some examples. Last year an elderly lady brought her tax documents to the AARP Volunteer Tax Service for preparation. Her 1099s, etc. were not well organized, but appeared to be adequate. She, herself, was a little disorganized, and not entirely comfortable with what she […]