Wealth Management Center
Preserving and enhancing wealth for the future with financial-planning experts Bill Cass and Chris Hennessey
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Tax season is a good reminder of 529 plan tax benefits
April 7, 2021 | College Savings
Tax season can provide a good reminder that 529 plans offer significant tax benefits for families looking for fund college education.
Tax outlook and planning considerations
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About this blog
Financial-planning experts Bill Cass and Chris Hennessey weigh in each week with a range of insights about complex financial planning needs.
William Cass, CFP®, CPWA®
Director of Wealth Management Programs for Putnam.
Chris Hennessey
Lawyer and CPA, Faculty Director, Babson College School of Executive Education, is a member of the Putnam Business Advisory Group.
Tax season is a good reminder of 529 plan tax benefits
Tax season can provide a good reminder that 529 plans offer significant tax benefits for families looking for fund college education.
10 ideas to use a Roth IRA to mitigate higher taxes
Investors may want to consider certain strategies to hedge against the risk of higher taxes, including using a Roth IRA conversion.
Three options to change stepped-up cost basis rules
Potential changes to stepped-up cost basis rules may emerge as lawmakers consider federal revenue needs.
Direction of estate taxes among top advisor concerns
Most advisors are closely monitoring tax policy as it is not yet clear what proposals around estate taxes will be introduced on Congress’s agenda this year.
Four key tax changes in the new pandemic relief bill
In addition to broad relief measures, the latest pandemic relief bill includes several tax changes that could impact planning.
Top questions from advisors about taxes
Advisors are fielding many questions about taxes and the outlook for tax increases under the new administration.
Webcast: Tax outlook and strategies in the Biden era
Wealth management professionals offer a tax outlook and discuss tax smart strategies under the Biden era.
Next steps for investors who withdrew funds under the CARES Act
Individuals who withdrew retirement funds under the CARES Act have options for filing and paying taxes.
Webcast: Learn about tax planning in the Biden era
In 2021, investors continue to face change, with the impact of the first 100 days of the Biden administration and the potential for a shifting tax landscape.
Lawmakers call for SALT revival
Several lawmakers on Capitol Hill have introduced legislation calling for a revival of the SALT deduction.
Three estate planning strategies for 2021
Investors may want to consider estate planning strategies as tax provisions impacting federal gift and estate taxes will sunset after 2025.
Top tax-planning ideas for 2021
The current tax environment and potential for higher tax rates in the future create an opportunity for tax planning strategies to hedge future higher taxes.
Tracking CARES Act tax changes
With a range of temporary tax code changes instituted by the CARES Act in 2020, tracking tax changes that are extended into 2021 can be a challenge.
Figures that taxpayers need to know in 2021
Taxpayers need to know some key figures as they review current tax plans and consider 2021 planning.
Congress seals deal for more pandemic relief
Congress voted today to approve a $900 billion pandemic relief package offering economic aid to individuals and businesses.
529 plan checklist for 2020 year-end
Whether saving for college or making withdrawals, there are many 529 plan considerations that may need attention at year-end.
More tax options for business losses in 2020
The CARES Act provides more ways for business owners to offset losses in tax filings in 2020.
Year-end ideas for gifting and estate plans
For financial planning, year end can be an opportune time to review strategies for gifting and estate plans.
Four tax planning considerations for year-end
While tax rates are historically low, investors may want to review several tax planning considerations before year end.
Year-end planning ideas under the CARES Act
As investors prepare for year-end planning, they may want to consider tax-smart strategies under the CARES Act.
Post-election outlook for taxes, planning: Webcast
Amid uncertainty following the 2020 elections, market volatility is likely to continue: Webcast
Five key changes proposed by Secure Act 2.0
The House last week introduced a bipartisan bill, known as Secure Act 2.0, to expand retirement plan participation and savings.
Tax season planning under the TCJA
A new perspective on tax deductions
Optimize the small-business tax deduction
Estate planning considerations before the law sunsets
New strategies emerge for Roth conversions
Tax rates lowered, deductions limited in tax law
The tax reform law lowers tax rates and imposes new limits on many deductions.
Many deductions changed in new tax law
The standard deduction doubles while some popular tax deductions are limited or eliminated by tax reform.
Estate planning remains vital
Despite higher exclusion levels for federal estate taxes, estate planning remains vital for taxpayers.
Tax reform creates new deduction for small businesses
Understanding the new 20% deduction for business income is key for small business owners.
New tax law influences individual planning
Individuals may consider various strategies for charitable giving and financial planning in the new tax environment.
$30T in wealth transfer creates opportunity
Advisors may consider expanding their value proposition and professional network to grow their business.
Top strategies for advisors when heirs inherit wealth
Learning about an investor's family can help advisors connect with the next generation.
Social strategies for meeting the next generation
Start with social media and expand to social events to reach out to the next generation of clients.
Use family meetings for more effective wealth transfer
Hosting a family meeting can help investors and their children focus on values, planning issues, and philanthropy.
College savings plans offer tax advantages
Explore tax-advantaged savings when planning for college.
Chris Hennessey is Professor Emeritus of Law at the Babson College School of Executive Education and member of the Putnam Investments Business Advisory Group. His opinions do not necessarily reflect those of Putnam Investments.