Consider Your Retirement Needs, but Don't Forget Your Retirement Wants
A rule of thumb is that workers will need to replace about 80% of their pre-retirement incomes to maintain their standard of living in retirement. But they may need more than 80% to fund a lifestyle that they can truly look forward to. As people grow older, what once may have been considered luxuries can become basic needs.
Federal Estate Tax Is Much Lower — For Now
The federal estate tax was repealed in 2010, then reinstated by the 2010 Tax Relief Act with new provisions for 2011 and 2012. This article discusses the temporary provisions, the options for estates of 2010 decedents, and potential changes in future years that could subject many more estates to the federal estate tax than under current law.
Getting to Know Your Beneficiaries
Estate conservation issues may be uncomfortable to face, but there's probably no other aspect that is as simple or inexpensive as designating beneficiaries for employer-sponsored retirement plans, IRAs, and life insurance policies.
Tax Law Keeps S Corporations Attractive
S corporations are more common than C corporations and partnerships, perhaps because they are not subject to the corporate tax. Instead, profits and losses flow directly to shareholders, who are currently taxed at lower individual income tax rates. Read why reorganizing as an S corporation may be a smart move.
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