Taxes

Paying taxes is still something many investors overlook when making plans for their retirement portfolios. Without the right tax planning, your real returns could take a bigger hit than you originally planned.

5 Ways to Invest Your Income Tax Refund Instead of Spending It

Have you thought about what you’re going to do with your tax refund? The average tax refund in 2016 is in the neighborhood of $3,053, $5 more than last year. That’s not exactly a life-changing amount, but it’s a decent chunk of change that can jumpstart an investment or savings goal.

3 Popular Tax Software Programs for Investors

The tax filing deadline is approaching. So what’s the best tax software program for investors? While this topic may be somewhat subjective, there are three tax software packages that consistently show up among the top of nearly any list on the subject.

It’s Tax Refund Season – How Are You Investing Your Return?

It’s tax season again, and for many people that means figuring out what to do with a large refund check. Last year, the average refund was about $3,000, a decent chunk of change. A relative “windfall” like this can be the perfect time to start investing.

2016 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits

As is the case every year, the New Year brings changes for retirement plan contributions and limits, though 2016 will have more muted changes than most years. Retirement plans, like employer-sponsored plans and self-employed plans, will be affected. With inflation being on the low end of the scale, the changes in contribution limits generally remain unchanged for 2016, while income limits will increase modestly in some cases.

A Simple Tax Checklist for Organizing Your Investments

It’s almost that time of year — if you collect any kind of income at all, you need to be ready to file your income tax return. This puts a special burden on investors, which is why we’ve provided a simple checklist for organizing your investments for income tax preparation.

Tax Loss Harvesting – Capitalize on Your Investment Losses

As an investor, tax planning is of the utmost importance. Even your investments that come with favorable rates can be used in your tax planning. One way to make the most of your investment situation is to engage in tax loss harvesting. What is tax loss harvesting and how can you use it to your benefit?

Keep More of Your Money With Tax-Efficient Investing

2016 marks the third year citizens will be penalized for not having health insurance. Along with this comes a tax credit — the Premium Tax Credit — for purchasing qualifying health insurance through the Marketplace. How does this affect your investments? It’s important to consider tax-efficient investing whenever possible. Here’s what I mean.

What Are the Tax Benefits to Opening an IRA Account?

One of greatest advantages to saving for retirement is the tax benefits you get when investing in an IRA or other qualified retirement account. Most people know there are tax benefits to opening an IRA account, but few understand how many benefits there are, and how powerful they can be in the cause of saving money for retirement. Did you know there are at least six tax benefits to opening an IRA account?

A Simple Checklist for Investors to Accurately File Their Taxes

Investors don’t just gain advantages when they receive dividends or see significant capital appreciation; they might also receive tax advantages, depending on the type of investment income that they receive. As you prepare to file your taxes (the deadline is quickly approaching) keep in mind that there are likely extra tax forms required because of the various income sources from your portfolio.