Newlyweds Tax Tips

The Tax E Man Blog, along with our website www.PatTax.net, are designed to be year round resources for tax consultation, preparation and representation services provided by Baldwin NY Tax Preparation service Pat Tax Inc. and Patrick White, Enrolled Agent . Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Just Married

Tips for Newlyweds

Updating your status from single to married may bring about some unanticipated changes, including changes relating to your taxes. While wedding planners don’t typically use an IRS checklist, here are a few things to keep in mind when filing your first tax return as a married couple will be required.

As with any tax issue, contact your tax professional to help you navigate your own unique situation.

Read Newlyweds Tax Tips Here

Notify the Social Security Administration (SSA)
If one of you has taken on a new name, report the change to the SSA. File Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card.
It is important that your name and Social Security number match on your tax return. The IRS will match your information with records provided by the SSA and, if the records don’t match, any electronically filed return will be rejected and any paper filed return will have the mismatched individual’s personal exemption cancelled until the error is corrected.
Avoid making a name change too close to tax season. While the SSA can process a name change in about two weeks, the delay in data-sharing between the SSA and the IRS can make any change near the end of the year problematic. In such situations, it may be advisable to file the tax return using your maiden name and change your name with the SSA after the return has been filed.
Form SS-5 is available on the SSAs website at http://www.ssa. gov, by calling 800-772-1213, or by visiting a local SSA office. A copy of your marriage certificate and driver’s license or passport will be required.

Read Newlyweds Tax Tips Here

Notify the IRS if You Move
The IRS will automatically update your new address upon filing your next tax return, but any notices the IRS sends in the meantime may not get to you. The U.S. Postal Service does not forward certain types of federal and certified IRS mail. IRS Form 8822, Change of Address, is the official way to update the IRS of your address change. Download Form 8822 from http://www.irs.gov or order it by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Read Newlyweds Tax Tips Here

Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in the Tax E Man Blog or www.PatTax.net, including attachments, links and enclosures, are not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax related penalties.

If desired, Pat Tax, Inc. would be pleased to perform the requisite research and provide you with a detailed written analysis. Such an engagement may be the subject of a separate engagement letter that would define the scope and limits of the desired.

The Tax E Man Blog, along with our website www.PatTax.net, are designed to be year round resources for tax consultation, preparation and representation services provided by Pat Tax, Inc. . Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

“Empowering clients through education, a stress free transaction and an excellent service experience.”

Pension Income Planning

Pension Income Planning

An employee nearing retirement may face a dilemma when it comes to choosing his or her pension. Pension options from a defined benefit retirement plan generally include a lifetime payment with no survivor benefit, a joint and 50% survivor payment, or a joint and 100% survivor payment. The joint and survivor benefits are reduced amounts from the lifetime payment option.

Read 2016 Pension Income Planning Here

Predicament
If the employee selects the lifetime payment and then dies before the surviving spouse, no monthly pension will be left for the spouse. If the employee selects one of the survivor options, and the spouse dies before the employee dies, the employee will be locked into the lower payout for the rest of his or her life. The amount of potential loss of income can be devastating to the retired employee or spouse. Emotionally, an employee may be inclined to choose one of the pension options that give an ongoing benefit to his or her surviving spouse. However, this may not be the best financial decision.

Example:

Henry, age 65, will be retiring soon. He and his wife, Louise, also age 65, are reviewing his pension options.

Option	Monthly Pension	Survivor’s Monthly Pension
Life	$2,000	$0
50% Survivor Benefit	$1,600	$800
100% Survivor Benefit	$1,200	$1,200

If Henry chooses the life option and subsequently dies, Louise will be left without any portion of his pension. With the 50% survivor benefit, Henry would have $400 less per month than the life option, and Louise would receive a pension of half of Henry’s if Henry were to die. With the 100% survivor benefit, Henry would receive $1,200 per month and if he were to die, Louise would receive $1,200 per month.

Read 2016 Pension Income Planning Here

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Social Security and Medicare

Social Security

Full Retirement Age
If you were born in 1942 or earlier, you are already eligible for full Social Security benefits. The following chart will guide you in determining your full retirement age.

Year of Birth	Full Retirement Age
1943-1954	66
1955	66 and 2 months
1956	66 and 4 months
1957	66 and 6 months
1958	66 and 8 months
1959	66 and 10 months
1960 or later	67

Note: Although the full retirement age is rising, you should still apply for Medicare benefits three months before your 65th birthday. If you wait longer, your Medicare
insurance (Part B) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) may cost you more money.

Read Social Security and Medicare Here

Delayed Retirement
If you choose to delay receiving benefits beyond your full retirement age, your benefits will be increased by a certain percentage, depending on the year you were born. The increase will be added in automatically from the time you reach full retirement age until you start
taking benefits or reach age 70, whichever comes first.
Early Retirement
You may start receiving benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start your benefits early, your benefits are reduced approximately one-half of 1% for each month you
start your Social Security before your full retirement age.

Read Social Security and Medicare Here

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Early Retirement Distributions

Early Retirement

Early Retirement Distributions

A taxpayer may choose, or be forced into choosing, early retirement. A retirement before age 59½ creates income challenges for the retiree. The retiree is not yet eligible to receive retirement benefits from Social Security. The retiree may or may not have a monthly pension to generate income.

In many situations, the retiree will need to generate income from his or her assets. Often, the retiree has most of his or her assets in a retirement plan through a 401(k) plan at his or her employer or in an individual retirement arrangement (IRA). Withdrawals of earnings and pre-tax contributions are subject to ordinary income tax. In addition, taxpayers may be subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalty tax on distributions taken before the taxpayer reaches age 59½.

Read Early Retirement Distributions 2016 Here

Tax Summary

Withdrawals of earnings and pre-tax contributions from an IRA are subject to ordinary income tax.
Unless an exception applies, taxable withdrawals from an IRA prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10% early withdrawal penalty.
Taxpayers who take a series of substantially equal periodic payments from an IRA are not subject to the 10% additional tax.

Tax Planning Strategy

One strategy to generate income from retirement accounts for taxpayers under age 59½ is to take periodic distributions from those accounts. If structured properly, the 10% additional tax will not be assessed on the distributions. Taxpayers can take distributions from various retirement accounts such as 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and IRAs.

Read Early Retirement Distributions 2016 Here

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Saving For Retirement

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Traditional IRA

A traditional IRA is any IRA that is not a Roth IRA or a SIMPLE IRA. Any individual can set up a traditional IRA if he or she receives taxable compensation during the year and is not age 70½ by the end of the year. An individual can have a traditional IRA even if covered by
an employer-sponsored retirement plan. However, the deductible amount of contributions to a traditional IRA may be phased out.

Contribution limit. Contributions to IRAs are limited to the lesser of the individual’s compensation (or spouse’s compensation under a spousal IRA), or $5,500 ($6,500 age 50 or older).
spousal IRA. If both spouses have compensation, each can set up a separate IRA. Spouses cannot participate in the same IRA. If Married Filing Jointly, and
one spouse’s compensation is less than the contribution limit, the lower-income spouse can use the compensation of the other spouse to qualify.
SEP IRA. A SEP is a traditional IRA with different per year contribution limits. An employer (or self employed individual) makes deductible contributions to a traditional IRA on behalf of the employee (or self-employed individual). Distributions are generally subject to the same rules that apply to traditional
IRAs.

Read 2016 Saving for Retirement Here

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Prohibited Transactions Involving IRAs

Penalties apply when IRA funds are used in prohibited transactions. A prohibited transaction is any improper use of traditional IRA funds by the participant, the beneficiary, or a disqualified person. The following are examples of prohibited transactions.

Borrowing money from an IRA.
Selling property to an IRA.
Receiving unreasonable compensation for managing an IRA.
Using an IRA as security for a loan.
Buying property for personal use (present or future) with IRA funds.

Read 2016 Saving for Retirement Here

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Saving For College

Custodial Accounts (UTMA/UGMA)
Assets in a custodial account belong to the minor. A custodian, usually an adult relative, controls the assets until the minor reaches the age set by state law (21 in most states).
Assets in a custodial account can be used to pay for education expenses for the minor.

Savings Bond Interest Exclusion
Exclusion Rules

Interest from qualified savings bonds redeemed by the taxpayer can be excluded from income if:

The taxpayer paid qualified education expenses during the year for the taxpayer, spouse, or a dependent claimed on the taxpayer’s return.
Filing status is not Married Filing Separate.
If proceeds from the redemption (interest and principal) are more than adjusted qualified education expenses, only a percentage of the interest is excludable.
Example: Marty redeemed qualified bonds for $10,000, including accrued interest of $5,500. He paid $8,000 of qualified education expenses during the year. His excludable interest is:

$ 5,500 Interest X $8,000 Qualified Expenses/$10,000 Redemption Proceeds=$4,400 Tax Free Interest

Income Limit
The exclusion is limited by adjusted gross income. Check with your tax preparer for income limitations.

Read 2016 Saving for College Here

Qualified Savings Bonds

Series EE bonds issued after 1989 and Series I bonds.
Issued to a person who was age 24 before the bond’s issue date. The issue date is the first day of the month in which the bond was purchased (for example, a bond purchased on May 25 has a May 1 issue date). The issue date is printed on the front of the bond.
Issued in the name of the taxpayer and/or spouse. There can be no other co-owners, including the taxpayer’s child. The bond can have a pay‑on-death (POD) beneficiary, including a child.

Qualified Education Expenses

Tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible educational institution. Qualified expenses do not include courses involving sports, games, or hobbies, unless part of the student’s degree program.
Contributions to a qualified tuition program.
Contributions to a Coverdell education savings account.

Qualified Tuition Plans (529 Plans) & Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs)

QTP and ESA Tax Benefits
Contributions to a QTP or ESA are not deductible. Earnings accumulate tax free. Distributions are not taxable if less than the beneficiary’s adjusted qualified education
expenses in the year of distribution. Contributors can contribute to both a QTP and an ESA in the same year for the same designated beneficiary.

Read 2016 Saving for College Here

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College Financial Aid Planning

Individuals who want to attend college but cannot afford the costs outright must find alternative funding through various types of financial aid. Many factors affect eligibility for federal financial aid; therefore, all students should apply for financial aid every year even if they think they do not otherwise qualify.

Read College Financial Aid Planning Here

FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid process. Students use the FAFSA to apply for federal student aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study. The FAFSA must be submitted for each year the student wants financial aid.

Income Tax Return
If the student (or parents) needs to file a 2015 income tax return with the IRS, it is recommended that it is completed before filling out the FAFSA.

Expected Family Contribution
The questions on the FAFSA are required to calculate the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC measures the student’s family’s financial strength and is used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal student aid. The EFC is split between an expected amount contributed from the student (usually more) and an expected amount
being contributed from the parents.

Read College Financial Aid Planning Here

Student Aid Report
A student’s EFC will be listed on their Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR summarizes the information submitted on the student’s FAFSA.

Financial Need
Financial need is the difference between the EFC and the college’s cost of attendance (which can include living expenses), as determined by the college. The college will use the student’s EFC to prepare a financial aid package to help meet financial need.

Read College Financial Aid Planning Here

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Financial Planning Guide

Personal Financial Planning

Budgeting-Steps to manage income and expenses include the following.

Identify monthly outflows as living expenses, savings, and discretionary.
Eliminate unnecessary expenses from the discretionary category. If further cuts need to be made, reduce living expenses by obtaining a less expensive auto or home. Reduce savings as a last resort. Track income and expenses monthly and review every six months.
Establish an emergency fund equal to six months of income saved.
Save on private mortgage insurance by putting at least 20% down on a home mortgage

Read Financial Planning Guide Here

Education Funding-Several tax advantages are available to help save for education expenses.

Savings bond interest may be tax free if used for qualified education expenses.
Coverdell education savings accounts (ESAs) provide tax-deferred growth and tax-free distributions for qualified education expenses.
Qualified Tuition Programs (529 plans) provide tax free distributions for qualified tuition expenses.
A gift of low-basis stock allows the individual’s child to sell the stock and use the proceeds to fund education expenses. This is beneficial when the individual is
in a higher tax bracket and the student is in a lower tax bracket.
Roth IRAs can be used as a savings vehicle for education purposes. Contributions are removed from a Roth IRA without tax or penalty. Parents and grandparents fund the Roth IRA with the intention of removing the contribution and gifting that amount to the student. If the student does not go to college, or has the costs covered by other means, the contributions can stay in the Roth IRA without concern for tax or penalty
.Cash-value life insurance can also be used as a funding mechanism for college expenses.

Read Financial Planning Guide Here

Begin With The End In Mind-Tax Planning 2016 and Beyond

Tax E Man4 — Tax Consultation Preparation and Representation

“Begin with the End in Mind means to begin each day, task, or project with a clear vision of your desired direction and destination, and then continue by flexing your proactive muscles to make things happen.”

Steven Covey Habit 2: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

In educator and successful businessman Dr. Steven Covey’s seminal work on self-empowerment, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, he points out in Habit 2 the importance of creating your Personal Mission Statement. The Mission Statement focuses on what you want to be and do. It is your plan for success. It puts your goals in focus, and moves your ideas into the real world.

The mission of tax planning should serve a similar purpose. Tax planning with your tax professional should reflect short and long term goals of you, your family and/or business. It should serve as a roadmap on reaching your goals based on a firm educational foundation and tools to monitor plan progress. Tools to avoid pitfalls and minimize surprises.

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It was with this in mind that the Tax E Man Blog compiled a category on Tax Planning. Tools and topics include

Financial Planning Guide
College Financial Aid Planning
Saving for College
Moving Out Worksheet
Saving for Retirement
Early Retirement Distributions
Newlywed Tax Tips
Pension Income Planning
Social Security and Medicare
Estate Planning, Wills, Probate, and Transfer of Assets

Pat Tax Inc. and Enrolled Agent Patrick White are available to answer questions or concerns and to help in customizing your Tax Plan. Tax Planning Tool and Topic blogs will appear beginning May 1, 2016 and will remain available under the Tax Planning category.

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The Tax E Man Blog, along with our website http://www.PatTax.net, are designed to be year round resources for tax consultation, preparation and representation services provided by Pat Tax, Inc. . Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Cancellation of Debt — Insolvency, Is it Taxable?

The Tax E Man Blog, along with our website www.PatTax.net, are designed to be year round resources for tax consultation, preparation and representation services provided by Baldwin NY Tax Preparation service Pat Tax Inc. and Patrick White, Enrolled Agent . Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Cancellation of Debt — Insolvency

Taxpayers with cancelled debt can often exclude the cancellation of debt income to the extent they were insolvent immediately before the cancellation. If a cancelled debt is excluded from income, it is nontaxable.

Cancellation of Debt

Cancellation of debt (COD) is settlement of a debt for less than the amount owed. A debt may be cancelled by a lender voluntarily or through bankruptcy or other legal proceedings and may result in ordinary income, income from the sale of assets, or both.

Read Cancellation of Debt – Insolvency 2016 here

Cancelled Debt Situation	Tax Treatment
Debt owed by a taxpayer is cancelled or forgiven.	Amount cancelled or forgiven is generally taxable as ordinary income from cancellation of debt.
Property that is security for a debt is taken by the lender in full or partial satisfaction of that debt.	The transaction is treated as a sale of the property, which may result in a gain or loss.
Property that is security for a debt is taken by the lender, and lender cancels recourse debt in excess of FMV of property taken.	Excess of cancelled debt over FMV is ordinary income from cancellation of debt, in addition any gain or loss from the sale.
Cancelled debt is intended as gift.	Amount cancelled is not income.*

*Gift tax may apply.

Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt

If a lender cancels or forgives a debt of $600 or more, it must provide the borrower with Form 1099-C, showing the amount of cancelled debt to be reported as income. Generally, individual taxpayers must include all cancelled amounts, even if less than $600, as Other Income on line 21, Form 1040.

Read Cancellation of Debt – Insolvency 2016 here

Any accounting, business or tax advice contained in the Tax E Man Blog or http://www.PatTax.net, including attachments, links and enclosures, are not intended as a thorough, in-depth analysis of specific issues, nor a substitute for a formal opinion, nor is it sufficient to avoid tax related penalties.

Read Cancellation of Debt – Insolvency 2016 here

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Income Tax Preparation for individuals and small businesses
Electronic filing of all Federal and State returns with direct deposit of refunds
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Read Newlyweds Tax Tips Here

Read Newlyweds Tax Tips Here

Read Newlyweds Tax Tips Here

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Read 2016 Pension Income Planning Here

Read 2016 Pension Income Planning Here

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Read Social Security and Medicare Here

Read Social Security and Medicare Here

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Early Retirement Distributions

Read Early Retirement Distributions 2016 Here

Tax Summary

Read Early Retirement Distributions 2016 Here

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Read 2016 Saving for Retirement Here

Read 2016 Saving for Retirement Here

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$ 5,500 Interest X $8,000 Qualified Expenses/$10,000 Redemption Proceeds=$4,400 Tax Free Interest

Read 2016 Saving for College Here

Read 2016 Saving for College Here

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