Taxes & Benefits

Taxes & Benefits Articles

How to Plan Spending in Retirement

A little bit of forethought can make things a lot easier for you financially when you decide to stop working.

Getting Clients to a 0% Tax Rate

Over the next three years, your clients may be able to avoid taxes entirely on certain kinds of capital gains and qualified dividends. You just have to get their income into the 10%-15% tax bracket. Here are some tax and income-shifting strategies to consider.

Understanding Annuity Taxation

Annuity withdrawals are taxed as ordinary income, which should prompt a discussion with clients: Is it better to pay capital gains taxes now or defer taxes until retirement? The answer depends on your client's retirement tax bracket, insurance, other income streams, and his estate plan.

Navigating the Tax Issues of Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds

Yes, the interest earned on municipal bonds is tax exempt, but investors can still be subject to capital gains tax, ordinary income tax, and even alternative minimum tax. Here's what you need to know.

Calculating Retirement Income Replacement Rates

Retirement income replacement rates are usually based on how much clients intend to spend during their golden years--but that may not be sufficient. A good analysis must also take into account investment risk, longevity risk, and health care costs.