Articles

If you have an individual retirement account, you're aware of how complicated the rules can get. Here are four to remember as you prepare your 2015 federal income tax return. Are you searching for one more tax deduction? It's not too late to contribute to your IRA and...

When a customer complains, think of it as three opportunities in one. An opportunity to get feedback on something that's not working right in your organization. An opportunity to convert a disgruntled customer into a loyal customer. An opportunity to head off negative...

Well-documented corporate minutes can provide valuable supporting evidence if the IRS questions choices you make on your tax returns. Minutes are especially important when related-party transactions are involved, such as payments, loans, or distributions between the...

Check whether your children need to file a 2015 tax return. They'll need to file if wages exceeded $6,300, self-employment income was over $400, or investment income exceeded $1,050. When income includes both wages and investment income, other thresholds apply....

In mid-December, Congress renewed a long list of tax breaks known as "extenders" that have been expiring on an annual basis. This year many of the rules are retroactive to the beginning of 2015. You may be able to benefit from some of them as you prepare your 2015...

While you're gathering information to prepare your 2015 tax return, set aside time for a financial review. Here are steps to get started. Compile a year-end list of your assets and debts and compare the list to last year. Are you gaining or losing ground? What actions...

Deciding when to buy a stock is often easier than determining when to sell. As you're reviewing your portfolio at year-end, consider these situations that may indicate the right time to sell. When there are no tax consequences. If you hold stock in a retirement fund,...

Out with the old, in with the new. No matter whether you apply the expression to changes in attitude or to life adjustments, the end of the year is a great time to assess your household finances and prepare for new opportunities. Here are suggestions. Review your...

As a business owner, you know how much effort goes into attracting new customers. So once you've found a new customer, you want to keep that customer as long as possible. Good communication can help. Make your customer feel known, understood, and appreciated at every...

Celebrate your 65th birthday with federal income tax benefits. Here are some of the breaks available once you reach age 65. Higher standard deduction. Your standard deduction is the sum of the basic standard deduction plus an additional standard deduction if you are...