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Tax Planning

Understanding the Tax Benefits When Utilizing IRA Funds for Medical Expenses in Long-Term Care

Understanding the Tax Benefits When Utilizing IRA Funds for Medical Expenses in Long-Term Care

In the realm of financial planning, one often seeks strategies that not only secure their future but also optimize tax benefits. When facing medical expenses associated with long-term care or assisted living, leveraging Individual Retirement Account (IRA) funds can offer a viable solution. Understanding how to utilize IRA funds for such purposes not only eases financial burdens but also unlocks valuable tax deductions.

Top 3 Must-Know Updates for Homeowners of Properties Valued at Over $5 Million

Top 3 Must-Know Updates for Homeowners of Properties Valued at Over $5 Million

Owning a home brings unique considerations, especially for some properties valued over $5 million in California. It is important to stay informed about the latest changes in laws and regulations that may impact your financial decisions.

The First 10 Steps to Take When You Receive an Inheritance Lump Sum

The First 10 Steps to Take When You Receive an Inheritance Lump Sum

Inheriting a lump sum can be a life-changing event, and it's essential to approach it with careful consideration and planning. As experienced financial planners, we understand the weight of this situation and the importance of making informed decisions. As a starting point in your decision-making, let’s discuss the first 10 steps to take when you receive an inheritance lump sum that can help you make the most of your newfound wealth.

8 Fast-Approaching Tax Deadlines to Keep in Mind

8 Fast-Approaching Tax Deadlines to Keep in Mind

As the year-end approaches, it is important to take note of the upcoming tax deadlines. As a financial advisor firm that believes in providing our clients with a wealth of knowledge and guidance, we want to remind you of 8 essential tax deadlines for the year 2023.

Planning for an American Expat Life

Planning for an American Expat Life

Fueled by the advance of technology, flexibility of remote work, continued expansion of global business, and desirable cost of living tradeoffs for retirees, the ranks of American expats continue to swell. Per the U.S. State Department, in 2020, roughly nine million Americans lived abroad, while a 2022 Gallup poll revealed 15% of Americans would like to leave the United States permanently.

Another Update to Inherited IRA Distribution Rules

Another Update to Inherited IRA Distribution Rules

Normally a dry and straightforward topic, inherited IRA rules have been anything but over the last several years due to a number of recent changes to the SECURE Act of 2019. As a result of legislative changes (and the government’s need for tax revenue), there are now significant differences between non-spouse inherited IRA accounts inherited before and after January 1, 2020.

Donor-Advised Funds Considerations to Help Accomplish Your Philanthropic Goals

Donor-Advised Funds Considerations to Help Accomplish Your Philanthropic Goals

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle administered by a public charity that allows a donor to contribute, receive an immediate tax deduction, and recommend grants to charitable 501(c)3 organizations from the fund over time. There are several considerations when using a DAF that will help you make the most of their benefits.

Avoiding Occupancy Fraud When Obtaining a Home Mortgage

Avoiding Occupancy Fraud When Obtaining a Home Mortgage

2022 saw a dramatic rise in interest rates, including rates on home mortgage loans. The rise was so swift that many potential home buyers were quickly priced out of the market. As the mortgage landscape has shifted from the historically low rates we all enjoyed these past few years, it is important to understand an important nuance of how home loans work prior to stepping back into the market.

2023 Tax and Retirement Planning Updates to Keep on Your Radar

2023 Tax and Retirement Planning Updates to Keep on Your Radar

It is the start of a new year and if you are one for making resolutions, now is a great time to add some financial planning resolutions to your list. Or, at a minimum, keeping tabs on some of the recent updates to tax and retirement limits will make sure you start the year off on a great financial footing.

Roth IRA Conversion: 2023 May Be Your Year

Roth IRA Conversion: 2023 May Be Your Year

If you have been considering a Roth IRA conversion—which is simply a transfer of assets from a Traditional (tax-deferred) IRA to a Roth (tax-free) IRA—but have been hesitant because of the associated tax bill, 2023 might provide just the moment you have been waiting for.

2022 Year End Planning Updates

2022 Year End Planning Updates

As the year-end approaches, now is an ideal time to review strategic planning opportunities and preview what lies ahead in 2023. We encourage you to discuss these planning topics with your Sand Hill Wealth Manager

Should a State’s Tax Code Determine Where I Retire?

Should a State’s Tax Code Determine Where I Retire?

While one tax type, such as income tax, is low in a given state, other taxes, such as sales taxes and property taxes, may be higher, so moving to that state will not necessarily lessen your tax burden.

New EV Tax Credits Require Planning to Glean the Largest Benefits

New EV Tax Credits Require Planning to Glean the Largest Benefits

If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle (EV), you’re probably already aware that the recently signed Inflation Reduction Act puts into place some new rules around EV tax credits—some of which make it harder to claim the full credit after the end of this calendar year. But with some careful financial planning, and a little bit of research, you can still offset the cost of your purchase significantly.

The Last Mile Logistics of a Liquidity Event

The Last Mile Logistics of a Liquidity Event

For founders, early-stage employees, and executives alike, the opportunity for a sizable personal liquidity event is the result of considerable talent, tremendous amounts of work, and a little bit of luck. But while building a company or product has brought them to the doorstep of an IPO or sale of a concentrated position, it’s at the end of the journey where operational execution is required to harvest the full rewards of their efforts.

Shrinking Home Values to Enlarge Wealth Transfers

Shrinking Home Values to Enlarge Wealth Transfers

In the alphabet soup of estate planning jargon, the acronym QPRT is one of the more familiar — if not fully understood — terms and it represents a popular and rather common technique for potentially passing significant wealth amongst generations.

Installment Sale of Business

Installment Sale of Business

If you’re considering selling your business and want to use a strategy that provides ongoing and periodic liquidity, and smooths out the taxation of a sale, an installment sale may be the solution.

Installment Sale of Business

Installment Sale of Business

If you’re considering selling your business and want to use a strategy that provides ongoing and periodic liquidity, and smooths out the taxation of a sale, an installment sale may be the solution. There are several reasons this type of sale is implemented, but first, let’s explain what it entails.

Can You Deduct Mortgage Interest on a Second Home?

Can You Deduct Mortgage Interest on a Second Home?

If you have recently purchased or are considering a secondary residence for use as a short-term rental or personal vacation home, you might be curious about the possible tax breaks and whether or not you can deduct your mortgage interest.

Can We Deduct Mortgage Interest on a Second Home?

Can We Deduct Mortgage Interest on a Second Home?

If you have recently purchased or are considering a secondary residence for use as a short-term rental or personal vacation home, you might be curious about the possible tax breaks and whether or not you can deduct your mortgage interest.