In addition to changes intended to align Minnesota tax with Federal calculations, the state also made several additional benefits available. If any of these may apply to you, please a tax professional for more in-depth information. Dependent Care Credit As part of the federal update legislation, the federal credit computation the Minnesota uses was updated […]
Year-End Tax Planning Part 3: Health Care Reform
December 24, 2014
This is the first year that taxpayers are required to carry health insurance. Administration of the various health care payments, penalties and credits flows through the individual tax return. Health Care Reform Tax Penalty For 2014, if a taxpayer does not have qualifying coverage for himself/herself and any dependents, and does not qualify for an […]
Year-End Tax Planning Part 2: 2014 Tax Law Changes & Planning Ideas
December 22, 2014
For 2014 and subsequent years, the individual income tax rate schedules reflect a continuation of the rates in place for 2013. The 2014 individual tax rates are as follows: Tax Rate Income (Single Taxpayer) Income (Married Taxpayers) 10% Up to $9,075 Up to $18,150 15% $9,076 – $36,900 $11,151 – $73,800 25% $36, 901 – […]
Year-End Tax Planning Part 1: Overview
December 18, 2014
This is the first in a series of posts over the next two weeks to assist Epilawg readers with year-end tax planning. The opportunity to take advantage of income timing exists particularly for taxpayers who are: In a different tax bracket in 2014 than in 2015; Subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) in one year […]
Helping Families Today, Tomorrow & for the Future Generations – Part 2
December 16, 2014
Part 1 of Anne’s post focused on the 5 strategies of an effective healthcare directive. This week’s post shares insights regarding the selection of healthcare agent(s). Well-written healthcare directives require more than checking boxes on a perfunctory form. Clear treatment guidelines can provide meaningful support to decision-makers, reduce the risk of family conflict, and ease […]
In the News – The Estate of James Brown
December 14, 2014
It will be the 8th anniversary of James Brown’s death on Christmas of this year and yet his estate still has not been administered according to his wishes in his Will. As we have witnessed with other celebrity estates, Mr. Brown’s estate is locked up in disputes between family members contesting the Will, fiduciaries’ decisions, […]
Helping Families Today, Tomorrow & for the Future Generations – Part 1
December 10, 2014
As trusted advisors, attorneys and financial advisors, you are uniquely poised to coach individuals and families on the merits of preparing thoughtfully for end-of-life decisions. Most likely, posing questions regarding a client’s financial assets and estate intentions is part of your everyday practice. But ask yourself: Are you comfortable engaging clients in deep, probing conversation […]
Getting Your Second Chance: Expungements
December 8, 2014
Effective January 1, 2015, the expungement law is changing dramatically in Minnesota to the benefit of those that continue to be hamstrung by their criminal past. The end result is that more Minnesotans will finally get a meaningful remedy when they successfully petition for an expungement. Expungement Basics An expungement is a court-ordered sealing of […]
Don’t Delay! To-Do List for the End of the Year
December 2, 2014
It is hard to believe we are at that time of year again when a new year will be upon us in only a matter of days. The countdown is on – only 30 days until 2015. Here are a few reminders of things to do before we say goodbye to 2014. Take Your Required […]