The recently enacted tax reform bill has made significant changes to the taxation of business.  This post summarizes some of the more substantial changes.

IRA ownership of Rental Property

Social Security benefits are eligible for levy by the IRS.

The Social Security system provides income to families of workers who die.  In fact, most children are eligible for benefits if a working parent dies.  Social Security provides a benefit similar to life insurance.  As you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits toward your Social Security benefits.

Almost half of all marriages end in divorce.  This article discusses the rules on divorce and social security with the goal of helping you maximize your benefits.  Before filing for social security, you should get the facts on your marriage(s) durations and divorce dates.  

If you withdraw money from your individual retirement account before age 59 1/2, you will generally have to pay a 10 percent early withdrawal penalty in addition to income tax on the amount withdrawn. This means a $5,000 withdrawal taken by a mid-career worker in the 25 percent tax bracket would result in $1,750 in taxes and penalties. But there are a variety of ways to avoid the IRA early withdrawal penalty if you meet specific criteria:

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals issued a ruling concerning the post-divorce treatment of beneficiary designations naming a former spouse.

This post provides guidance for the process of drafting domestic relations orders that qualify as QDROs in a divorce. 

In  many divorces,  retirement  plans  are  the  parties’  most  significant  asset.    

Pension benefits and retirement savings often constitute a client’s most valuable assets, and are viewed as a safety net.