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Why it’s time to start tax planning for 2016

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

Now that the April 18 income tax filing deadline has passed, it may be tempting to set aside any thought of taxes until year end is approaching. But don’t succumb. For maximum tax savings, now is the time to start tax planning for 2016. More opportunities A tremendous number of variables affect your overall… Read More »

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Filing for an extension isn’t without perils

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

Yes, the federal income tax filing deadline is slightly later than usual this year — April 18 — but it’s now nearly upon us. So, if you haven’t filed your return yet, you may be thinking about an extension. Extension deadlines Filing for an extension allows you to delay filing your return until the applicable extension… Read More »

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A timely postmark on your tax return may not be enough to avoid late-filing penalties

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

Because of a weekend and a Washington, D.C., holiday, the 2016 tax return filing deadline for individual taxpayers is Tuesday, April 18. The IRS considers a paper return that’s due April 18 to be timely filed if it’s postmarked by midnight. But dropping your return in a mailbox on the 18th may not be… Read More »

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Don’t miss your opportunity to make 2015 annual exclusion gifts

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

Recently, the IRS released the 2016 annually adjusted amount for the unified gift and estate tax exemption and the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption: $5.45 million (up from $5.43 million in 2015). But even with the rising exemptions, annual exclusion gifts offer a valuable tax-saving opportunity. The 2015 gift tax annual exclusion allows you to… Read More »

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Tax impact of the Supreme Court’s same-sex marriage decision

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, making same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. For federal tax purposes, same-sex married couples were already considered married, under the Court’s 2013 decision in United States v. Windsor and subsequent IRS guidance — even if their… Read More »

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What 2015 tax records can you toss once you’ve filed your return?

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

The short answer is: none. You need to hold on to all of your 2015 tax records for now. But this is a great time to take a look at your records for previous tax years and determine what you can purge. The 3-year rule At minimum, keep tax records for as long as… Read More »

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Do you need to file a 2014 gift tax return by April 15?

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

Generally, you’ll need to file a gift tax return for 2014 if, during the tax year, you made gifts: That exceeded the $14,000-per-recipient gift tax annual exclusion (other than to your U.S. citizen spouse), That you wish to split with your spouse to take advantage of your combined $28,000 annual exclusions, or Of future… Read More »

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Taking advantage of tangible property safe harbors

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

If your business has made repairs to tangible property, such as buildings, machinery, equipment and vehicles, you may be eligible for a deduction on your 2014 income tax return. But you must make sure they were truly “repairs,” and not actually “improvements.” Why? Costs incurred to improve tangible property must be depreciated over a… Read More »

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Why you should make annual exclusion gifts before year end

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

The 2014 gift tax annual exclusion allows you to give up to $14,000 per recipient tax-free without using up any of your lifetime gift tax exemption. If you and your spouse “split” the gift, you can give $28,000 per recipient. The gifted assets are removed from your taxable estate, which can be especially advantageous… Read More »

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Grandchild in college this fall? Paying tuition could save gift and estate taxes

By Legacy Protection, LLP |

Now’s the time of year when many young adults are about to head back to college — or to enter their first year of higher education. If you have a grandchild who’ll be in college this fall and you’re concerned about gift and estate taxes, you may want to consider paying some of his… Read More »

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