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 the best use of your [...]
It’s not uncommon for adult children to help support their aging parents. If you’re in this position, you might qualify for an adult-dependent exemption to deduct up to $4,050 for each person claimed on your 2017 return. Basic Qualifications For you to qualify for the adult-dependent exemption, in most cases your parent must have less [...]
Like most people, as you age into your 40s and 50s, you may wonder what the future holds for your health and well-being. Will you be as shard mentally and robust physically as you are right now? Could a serious medical condition arise in your future that might prevent you from performing routine daily tasks? [...]
INDIVIDUAL IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE ADDITIONAL 0.9% MEDICARE TAX. Josh and Anna are married. Josh’s salary is $180,000, and Anna’s wages are $150,000. Assume they have no other wage or investment income. Their total combined wage income is $330,000 ($180,000 + $150,000). Since this amount is over the $250,000 threshold, they owe the additional [...]
ADDITIONAL 0.9% MEDICARE TAX Individuals must pay an additional 0.9% Medicare tax on earned income above certain thresholds. The employee portion of the Medicare tax is increased from 1.45% to 2.35% on wages received in a calendar year in excess of $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly; $125,000 for married filing separately). Employers must [...]
LIFE INSURANCE AS A SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL An individual who is terminally or chronically ill and lacks funds to cover significant medical (e.g., experimental treatments) and other family expenses may find the solution through his or her life insurance policies. Although insurance policies have historically been held for the death benefits, [...]