Moving Out Worksheet

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.

Moving Out Worksheet

This worksheet is geared toward helping young people determine whether they have the financial means to move out on their own and maintain their desired lifestyle. One-time or yearly costs are listed as lump sums. Periodic costs are computed on a monthly basis.

Read Moving Out Worksheet 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.”

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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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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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.

Prepare Now to Avoid Surprises at Tax-Time Next Year

Even though April 18th marked the end of tax filing season, you still have time to act so you aren’t surprised at tax-time next year. You should take steps now to avoid overpaying your taxes. Here are some actions you can take to bring the taxes you pay in advance closer to what you’ll owe when you file your tax return:

Adjust your withholding. If you’re an employee and you think that your tax withholding will fall short of your total 2016 tax liability, you may be able to avoid an unexpected tax bill by increasing your withholding. If you are having too much tax withheld, you may get a larger refund than you expect. In either case, you can complete a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate and give it to your employer. Enter the added amount you want withheld from each paycheck until the end of the year on Line 6 of the W-4 form. You usually can have less tax withheld by increasing your withholding allowances on line 5. You can use the IRS Withholding Calculator tool on IRS.gov to help you fill out the form.

Report changes in circumstances. If you purchase health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may receive advance payments of the premium tax credit in 2016. It is important that you report changes in circumstances to your Marketplace so you get the proper type and amount of premium assistance. Some of the changes that you should report include changes in your income, employment, or family size. Advance credit payments help you pay for the insurance you buy through the Marketplace. Reporting changes will help you avoid getting too much or too little premium assistance in advance.

Change taxes with life events. You may need to change the taxes you pay when certain life events take place. A change in your marital status or the birth of a child can change the amount of taxes you owe. When they happen you can submit a new Form W–4 at work or change your estimated tax payment.

Be accurate on your W-4. When you start a new job you fill out a Form W-4. It’s important for you to accurately complete the form. For example, special rules apply if you work two jobs or you claim tax credits on your tax return. Your employer will use the form to figure the amount of federal income tax to withhold from your pay.

Pay estimated tax if required. If you get income that’s not subject to withholding you may need to pay estimated tax. This may include income such as self-employment, interest, or rent. If you expect to owe a thousand dollars or more in tax, and meet other conditions, you may need to pay this tax. You normally pay the tax four times a year.

We can discuss with you the tax effects of any changes in income anticipated for the coming year, to help eliminate the guesswork involved with figuring out what your tax situation will be in future years.

Pat Tax can make recommendations for changing withholding at work to help put you in the position you want to be in when it comes time to file next year’s return.

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High-Income Taxpayers

High-Income Taxpayers

In addition to being subject to higher federal tax rates, taxpayers whose income exceeds certain levels have tax deductions and credits that are reduced or eliminated. The provisions listed may have additional qualifications and restrictions.

Other provisions of the tax code, such as fringe benefit limitations and taxation on the sale of a principal residence, may further restrict a taxpayer’s ability to take deductions or cause the taxpayer to pay additional tax. Ask your tax professional for more details.

Read the entire article here on High-Income Taxpayers

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.

Electronic filing of all Federal and State returns with direct deposit of refunds
Scheduled electronic payment of balance due
Income Tax Consulting
IRS Tax Representation
Unified Tax Returns
Amended Tax Returns

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Choosing the Right Filing Status

Single

A taxpayer is unmarried in 2014 if:

• The taxpayer has never married,

• The taxpayer was legally separated, according to

state law, under a decree of divorce or separate

maintenance.

• The taxpayer’s spouse died before January 1, 2014, and

the taxpayer did not remarry in 2014.

If the taxpayer meets the definition of unmarried, file as

Single unless the requirements for one of the following

filing statuses are met.

• Head of Household, or

• Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child.

Married Filing Joint (MFJ)

A taxpayer can file a joint return in 2014 with a spouse if:

• The taxpayer was married at the end of 2014, even if

the taxpayer did not live with the spouse at the end of

2014.

• The taxpayer’s spouse died in 2014, and the taxpayer

did not remarry in 2014.

• The taxpayer was married at the end of 2014, and the

spouse died in 2015 before filing a 2014 return.

• The taxpayer lived with a person in a common-law

marriage recognized in the state where they live or in

the state where the common-law marriage began.

A taxpayer can file MFJ if both spouses agree, otherwise

a married taxpayer may file:

• Married Filing Separately (MFS), or

• Head of Household (HOH) if the taxpayer meets the

requirements to be “Considered Unmarried.” See

Head of Household, later.

Read the entire article here Filing Status.

Services We Provide Include

Income Tax Preparation for individuals and small businesses
Electronic filing of all Federal and State returns with direct deposit of refunds
Scheduled electronic payment of balance due
Income Tax Consulting
IRS Tax Representation
Unified Tax Returns
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Employee or Independent Contractor?

In order for a business owner to know how to treat payments made to workers for services, he or she must first know the business relationship that exists between the business and the person performing the services. A worker’s status determines what taxes are paid and who is responsible for reporting and paying those taxes. A worker performing services for a business is generally an employee or an independent contractor. If a worker is classified incorrectly, the IRS may assess penalties on the employer for nonpayment of certain taxes.

Read the entire article, Employee or Independent Contractor here.

Services We Provide Include

Income Tax Preparation for individuals and small businesses
Electronic filing of all Federal and State returns with direct deposit of refunds
Scheduled electronic payment of balance due
Income Tax Consulting
IRS Tax Representation
Unified Tax Returns
Amended Tax Returns

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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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