Taxpayers Find Gift Tax Reporting Confusing

Gift taxes were created to prevent wealthy taxpayers from transferring their estates to their beneficiaries via gifts and thus avoid estate taxes when they pass away. But that does not mean only wealthy taxpayers need to be concerned with the gift tax provisions as, under many circumstances, even lower-income taxpayers may find they are liable…

Taxation of Legal Settlements or Awards

The tax treatment of awards received as the result of a lawsuit could result in taxable or non-taxable income, depending upon a number of issues. The laws are often complex and sometimes seemingly discriminatory. The actual taxation of an award is primarily based on the following factors: The nature of the legal action, The type…

403 (b) Plans: The Basics

Retirement plans established under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, commonly referred to as “403(b) plans or “tax-sheltered annuities,” have become a popular type of employer-sponsored retirement plan. What is a 403(b) plan? A 403(b) plan is a retirement savings plan, sponsored by a tax-exempt organization or public school, that offers significant tax benefits…