In estate planning, you often come across the term “fair market value.” However, some assets are easier to value than others. The IRS defines fair market value as “the value at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or to sell and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts.” Some assets are easily valued. A stock,… Read More
Projects That Add to the Value of Your Home
You only have to look at the number of home remodeling shows on television to understand just how many people enjoy watching others upgrade their living spaces. These popular home remodeling shows have inspired many people to try their own hands at various remodeling projects. If you are interested in having work done on your living space or doing it yourself, you should understand that some remodeling and construction projects… Read More
Bookkeeping & Accounting Tips for Small Business Owners
Running a small business is a demanding task, requiring you to wear many hats, from managing operations to marketing and customer service. Among these responsibilities, bookkeeping and accounting are crucial for the financial health and sustainability of your business. While it may seem daunting, effective financial management doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Here are some essential bookkeeping and accounting tips to help small business owners stay organized, compliant, and… Read More
Understanding Total Return
A mutual fund’s performance — its total return — can be either positive or negative. In other words, a fund either made or lost money for a measured time period. There are three separate elements that contribute to total return: the distribution of fund income (interest and dividends received on the fund’s investments); the distribution of capital gains; and the rise or fall in the price of fund shares. A… Read More
Frequently Asked Questions About Estimated Taxes
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments can be a nightmare for business owners to determine how much they owe the IRS. Here is our guide for Frequently Asked Questions regarding Estimated Taxes. What are Estimated Taxes? Estimated Taxes are taxes that are paid to the IRS throughout the year on earnings that are not withheld from the federal government. Most people pay these taxes on a quarterly basis. Who pays estimated taxes?… Read More
Is That Financial Aid Taxable?
The college search process is an exciting but time-consuming process. After your child narrows down the colleges of his or her choice, you both have to figure out the issue of paying for tuition and room and board. The reality is that a four-year college education is expensive. The College Board1 reported that the average annual published tuition and fees for in-state students at a four-year public college was $11,260… Read More