News
IRS urges many retirees to make required withdrawals from retirement plans by year-end deadline
December 13, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service today reminded those aged 73 and older of the deadline to take required minimum distributions from individual retirement arrangements (IRAs) and other retirement plans, and highlighted updates introduced by the SECURE 2.0 Act.
Answering common questions about HSAs and Medicare enrollment
November 25, 2024
Americans age 55 and over hold an estimated $52 billion in their health savings accounts (HSAs), according to HSA investment company Devenir's most recent research. It's no surprise that as clients approach Medicare enrollment, they are increasingly interested in continuing to fund their HSAs to provide for current and future health care expenses.
Save for retirement now, get a tax credit later: Saver’s Credit can help low- and moderate-income taxpayers save more in 2025
November 25, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service today reminded low- and moderate-income taxpayers that they can save for retirement now and possibly earn a tax credit in 2025 and future years.
Planning for 2025's tax brackets and retirement rules
November 04, 2024
Cooling inflation will bring some relief in the form of slightly lower taxes next year. An average inflationary adjustment of 2.8% under IRS guidance for 2025 released earlier this month came in lower than the 5.4% hike for this year and a boost of more than 7% across the seven federal income brackets in 2023, according to an analysis by the nonpartisan, nonprofit Tax Foundation.
401(k) limit increases to $23,500 for 2025, IRA limit remains $7,000
November 02, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service announced today that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2025 has increased to $23,500, up from $23,000 for 2024.
Treasury and IRS issue guidance on long-term, part-time employees in 403(b) retirement plans and announce delayed applicability date for related final 401(k) regulation
October 03, 2024
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued guidance addressing long-term, part-time employees in 403(b) retirement plans under the SECURE 2.0 Act, which applies to 403(b) plans beginning in 2025. These plans are similar to 401(k) plans but are generally for employees of charities and public schools.
Using behavioral science in a financial-planning practice
September 23, 2024
By understanding influences on clients' decision-making, CPA financial planners can work with them better and operate a practice more effectively, Michael E. Kitces highlighted in a presentation at the AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE conference in June about how to use behavioral finance in a financial-planning practice.
IRS reminder: Employer educational assistance programs can still be used to help pay off workers’ student loans through Dec. 31, 2025
August 28, 2024
The Internal Revenue Service today issued a reminder that employers who offer educational assistance programs can also use them to help pay for their employees’ student loan obligations through Dec. 31, 2025.
Connecticut Expands Paid Sick Leave Law in 2025 but Limits Employers’ Control over How it is Used
August 22, 2024
On May 28, 2024, Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation expanding Connecticut’s 2011 Sick Leave Law. The new legislation is effective on January 1st, 2025. The law covers more employees, expands the reasons under which employees may use paid sick leave, and reduces the required hours to accrue paid sick leave.
To prepare to teach financial literacy, CT educators go back to school
August 22, 2024
Next Gen Personal Finance, CT Financial Scholars provide professional development to help schools meet new requirements.
529-To-Roth IRA Rollovers: Taking Advantage Of The New Option To Move Education Savings To Retirement Savings
June 24, 2024
Traditionally, the challenge in using a 529 plan to save for higher education expenses has been figuring out how much to save to cover the beneficiary's college costs without overshooting and saving more in the 529 plan than is actually needed.
Prepare large estates for TCJA sunset now
May 07, 2024
CPA financial planners need to talk with high-net-worth clients now about the idea of shifting ownership of millions of dollars in assets before the estate and gift tax basic exclusion is essentially cut in half on Jan. 1, 2026, Bob Keebler, CPA/PFS, said in an AICPA Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Section webcast.
Retirement fears do not play out in reality, survey shows
March 15, 2024
When many in the workforce daydream about retirement, the idyllic images that flood their minds sometimes get drowned out by fears of the unknown.
What CT's first-ever long-term tax strategy will mean for you
October 11, 2023
Mark Boughton, commissioner of the state Department of Revenue Services, described a new effort to formulate CT's first-ever long-term tax strategy recently at a forum in Hartford sponsored by the Yankee Institute.
Financial Planning Lessons for Turbulent Times
December 21, 2020
Looking back over a tumultuous year, we learned the value of cool heads and steady hands. After dealing with the ups and downs of the pandemic, the economy, the election and political and civil unrest, I marked some broader lessons we can glean and implement in our financial planning for 2021.