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Paying estimated taxes is a trap for many retirees. Most had income taxes withheld from paychecks while they were working. Once retired they are responsible for ensuring taxes are prepaid on their investment income, IRA distributions, and other sources of income. If the payments are late or not high enough, penalties can be imposed. If […]

A small percentage of taxpayers deduct medical expenses. That is partly because of the deduction limits. It also is because many people do not know all the costs that qualify for medical expense deductions. Medical expenses can be deducted only by those who itemize expenses on Schedule A. They deduct only the medical and dental […]

State tax laws discriminate based on age, and that can be a good thing for some taxpayers. Even notoriously high tax states can be tax havens for retirees. In fact, Florida and other retiree magnets might not be the tax havens they are promoted as when the full tax picture is considered. Florida has no […]

More taxpayers than ever are paying the alternative minimum tax (AMT). If Congress does not act by the end of 2007, an estimated 25 million households will pay the AMT for 2007. Many of my readers are among those most likely to be snared in the AMT. Originally targeted at the very wealthy, the AMT […]

The marital deduction is perhaps the best-known estate tax reducer. It also is among the most misused planning devices. While powerful, the mari-tal deduction also can trigger higher taxes or other headaches. The marital deduction is straightforward. The estate executor totals the value of all assets owned by the deceased to arrive at the gross […]

Medical expense deductions are the elusive goal of many taxpayers. With higher medical expenses than others, retirees are the taxpayers most likely to be able to deduct their medical expenses. They can maximize those deductions by knowing the rules. The definition of deductible medical expenses is broad. Qualified medical expenses, however, can be deducted only […]

The family residence often is one of the most valuable assets in a person’s estate. Despite recent price declines in numerous markets, many people own homes worth far more than they paid for them. The residence often accounts for a significant portion of a person’s net worth. The personal residence can create both estate tax […]

Don’t be in a hurry to put away that copy of your income tax return. It can be a great financial planning tool. Study it for a little while, and you might discover ways to adjust your finances that will increase your wealth. Here are a few ideas. Too much income? It is not unusual […]
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