TALKING ABOUT THE “SANDWICH GENERATION”

The term “sandwich generation” was originally coined to describe baby boomers caught between caring for their aging parents and their children.  These days the term applies to whichever generation is grappling with the problem.  If you’re in the middle of the sandwich, it may be time for some honest discussions

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YEAR-END GIFTS AND THE GIFT TAX ANNUAL EXCLUSION

With the holidays and year-end approaching, you might be considering making gifts of stock or cash to family members and loved ones.  By using your annual exclusion, those gifts-within generous limits-can reduce the size of your taxable estate.  For 2022, the annual gift exclusion is $16,000.   This covers gifts

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OFFSET NURSING HOME COSTS WITH POSSIBLE TAX BREAKS

If you have a parent entering a nursing home, taxes are probably the last thing on your mind.  But you should know there may be several possible tax benefits.   MEDICAL EXPENSE DEDUCTIONS   The costs of qualified long-term care, including nursing home care, are deductible as medical expenses to

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WHEN IS EMPLOYER-PROVIDED LIFE INSURANCE TAXABLE?

If your company benefits include group term life insurance paid by your employer, a portion of the premiums paid for the coverage may be taxable.  Depending on the amount of coverage you’re provided, some of it may create undesirable income tax consequences for you. The cost of the first $50,000

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MEDICARE PREMIUMS MAY LOWER YOUR TAXES

Do you pay premiums for Medicare health insurance? If so, you may be able to combine them with other qualifying health care expenses and claim them as an itemized deduction for medical expenses on your individual tax return.  This includes amounts for “Medigap” insurance and Medicare Advantage plans, which cover

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HELP PREVENT FINANCIAL SCAMS AIMED AT OLDER PEOPLE

In any season, scam artists are on the lookout for ways to steal financial data and money from vulnerable people.  Such fraudulent activities often target older adults.  Whether you’re in this age bracket or worry about senior parents and other relatives, here are seven ways to help prevent elder financial

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NONWORKING SPOUSES MAY STILL CONTRIBUTE TO AN IRA

Married couples may not be able to save as much as they need for retirement when one spouse doesn’t work outside the home – perhaps so that spouse can take care of children or elderly parents.  In general, an IRA contribution is allowed only if a taxpayer earns compensation.  However,

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TO GET AN ‘EARLY’ REFUND, ADJUST YOUR WITHHOLDING

Each year, millions of taxpayers claim an income tax refund.  To be sure, receiving a payment from the IRS for a few thousand dollars can be a pleasant influx of cash.  But it means you were essentially giving the government an interest-free loan for close to a year, which isn’t

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AFTER FILING YOUR TAXES, WHAT RECORDS CAN YOU TOSS?

If you’ve filed your 2021 tax return, you may want to do some spring cleaning, starting with tax-related paper clutter.  Paring down is good.  Just be careful to hold onto essential records that may be needed in the event of an IRS audit.  Some documents may be needed to help

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SHIELD YOUR LIFE INSURANCE FROM FEDERAL ESTATE TAX

If you have a life insurance policy, be aware that the proceeds your beneficiary receives could be subject to federal estate tax.  That is, unless you take steps to ensure that the policy isn’t part of your estate. WHAT TO DO Life insurance proceeds will be included in your taxable

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