What Are Estimated Tax Payments?

Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income not subject to withholding, such as income from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, and rent and gains from the sale of assets, prizes, and awards. You also may have to pay an estimated tax if the income...

Saving for Education: Understanding 529 Plans

Many parents are looking for ways to save for their child’s education, and a 529 Plan is an excellent way to do so. Even better is that thanks to the passage of tax reform legislation in 2017, 529 plans are now available to parents wishing to save for their...

Federal Tax Returns: Should You File an Extension?

Obtaining a six-month extension to file is relatively easy, and there are legitimate reasons for doing so; however, there are also a few downsides. If you need more time to file your federal income tax return this year, here’s what you need to know. What Is an...

Tax Treatment of Selling Collectibles

If you enjoy collecting antiques and collectibles or investing in fine art, wine, or vintage cars, there may be a time when you’re ready to cash in and reap the financial rewards. But you need to be aware of the tax impact of selling collectibles. IRS Definition...

What Is the Net Investment Income Tax?

While the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) most often affects wealthier individuals, in certain circumstances, it can also affect moderate-income taxpayers whose income increases significantly in a given tax year. What Is the NIIT? The NIIT is a 3.8 percent tax on...

Defer Capital Gains With Sec. 1031 Exchanges

If you’re a savvy investor, you probably know that you must generally report any mutual fund distributions as income, whether you reinvest them or exchange shares in one fund for shares in another. In other words, you must report and pay any capital gains tax...