YEAR-END TAX PLANNING TIPS

Planning is the key to a successful tax strategy. A struggling economy, shifts in personal finances and new tax laws necessitate a careful examination of your plan this year. Techniques that have produced results in the past may require adjustment, depending on the impact of the recession on your financial situation. Some of the most effective methods for developing a tax advantaged approach to managing your finances are featured here.

UPDATE ON PLANNING
Year-end tax planning is especially challenging this year because of uncertainty over whether Congress will enact sweeping tax reform that could have a major impact in 2012 and beyond. And even if there's no major tax legislation in the immediate future, Congress next year still will have to grapple with a host of thorny issues, such as whether to once again "patch" the alternative minimum tax (e.g., to avoid a drastic drop in post-2011 exemption amounts), and what to do about the post-2012 expiration of the Bush-era income tax cuts (including the current rate schedules, and low tax rates for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends), and the expiration of favorable estate and gift rules for estates of decedents dying, gifts made, or generation-skipping transfers made after Dec. 31, 2012. (more)

TAX SAVING STRATEGIES
A handy check-list of Things to-Do before year-end. (more)

Disclaimer: Any US tax advice included in this written or electronic communication was not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used by the taxpayer, for purpose of avoiding any penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provisions.

The content of this transmission does not constitute a professional service. Always consult with a competent professional service provider for advice on tax, accounting and other financial matters specific to your situation. If you wish to engage our firm for this purpose, please contact our office.