Ensure Your Family's Security with an Estate Plan

No matter what your net worth, you should have an estate plan in place. Such a plan ensures that your family is cared for and your assets maximized upon your death. An estate plan consists of your will, health care documents, powers of attorney, life insurance coverage, and post-mortem letters.

For those of you with an estate plan already, good for you! But we have a piece of additional advice: make it a priority to review the plan every two years to see whether it needs updating.

5 Things to Do Now For 2012 Payroll

While 2011 is not yet over, it’s not too early to starting planning ahead for 2012. If your business has employees, here are some things to help you get ready for next year.

1. Decide on wage increases

If you can afford to give raises, you probably want to keep up with what your competitors may be offering. According to one survey, most companies are giving raises of 3%. Raises are running higher for technology jobs.

Goals & Charitable Giving

Goals & Charitable Giving
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IRS Promotes Saver's Credit

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Internal Revenue Service is encouraging more taxpayers to take advantage of the "saver's credit."

The credit enable low- and moderate-income workers to begin to save for their retirement while earning a special tax credit in 2011 and the years ahead, the IRS noted.

The saver’s credit helps offset part of the first $2,000 that workers voluntarily contribute to individual retirement arrangements, 401(k) plans and similar workplace retirement programs. Also known as the retirement savings contributions credit, the saver’s credit is available in addition to any other tax savings that apply.

Payroll Tax Cut Temporarily Extended into 2012

WASHINGTON — Nearly 160 million workers will benefit from the extension of the reduced payroll tax rate that has been in effect for 2011. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 temporarily extends the two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, continuing the reduction of their Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid through Feb. 29, 2012. This reduced Social Security withholding will have no effect on employees’ future Social Security benefits.


Employers should implement the new payroll tax rate as soon as possible in 2012 but not later than Jan. 31, 2012. For any Social Security tax over-withheld

Money-Saving Year-End Tax Tips for Small Business

Although tax season is still a few weeks away, now is the time to take advantage of a basket of tax opportunities that can help your small business reduce its tax liability and save money come April 2012.  

Read on for seven tips that can help you maximize your deductions and claim the credits you deserve.

Consider the Odds of a Business Owner Becoming Disabled

Consider the Odds of a Business Owner Becoming Disabled
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Must I take my required minimum distribution as cash?

Q: Is it mandatory that my required minimum distribution (RMD) be taken as cash or can a specific stock the value of my RMD be moved from the IRA account to a regular taxable account? How about a specific stock used as an RMD to a Roth conversion account? Would this be taxed as a conversion and an RMD?

A: An RMD can be satisfied by distributing an asset in-kind or in cash. If you are distributing an asset to satisfy an RMD, it will be based on the fair market value of that asset upon distribution. You will have to check with your IRA custodian to determine if they will allow an in-kind distribution to satisfy an RMD.

An RMD in cash or in-kind cannot be rolled over to a Roth IRA. You can, however, use the cash to make a contribution to a Roth IRA - if you are eligible to make a contribution.

Are You Looking For That Last Minute Gift Idea?

Seasons Greetings!

Are You Looking For That Last Minute Gift Idea?

Look no further...how about giving the gift of INCOME TAX PREPARATION this holiday season? Our Gift Certificates can be given in any amount you want. It is totally up to you!

Call Jeff today at 800-560-4637 extension 14 to get your Gift Certificate for Tax Prep today. We accept all major credit cards, checks, money orders and cash. The Gift Certificate can be picked up in person, mailed or even emailed directly to the recipient! You decide.

From all of us here at NFS, THANKS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Looking Ahead…Federal Estate and Gift Taxation

Looking Ahead…Federal Estate and Gift Taxation  

http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs088/1102707121899/archive/1108967516043.html

Individual Income Tax Reductions

Individual Income Tax Reductions
http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs088/1102707121899/archive/1108967461450.html

IRS Announces 2012 Standard Mileage Rates

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2012 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2012, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

• 55.5 cents per mile for business miles driven
• 23 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
• 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Giving

WASHINGTON — Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years. Some of these changes include the following:

Special Charitable Contributions for Certain IRA Owners

This provision, currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2011, offers older owners of individual retirement accounts (IRAs) a different way to give to charity. An IRA owner, age 70½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charity. This option, created in 2006, is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible.