California is known for its high taxes, but careful planning can help you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. In our blog, we share important tax planning tips, as well as advice for what to do when you find yourself facing an IRS collection action, levy, or lien.

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  • Did You Miss the 60-Day Deadline for Your IRA Rollover? If you miss the deadline for rolling over an IRA distribution to another IRA or eligible retirement plan, you could be subject to taxes and penalties. If you have a valid excuse, you may be able to obtain a hardship waiver from the IRS, but applying is time-consuming and expensive....
  • Are Rental Properties the Next Big Investment Opportunity? Owning a house with a white picket fence is a quintessential part of the American dream. But an increasing number of Americans are deciding that renting a home is a better fit for their families than buying one. "Over the next 15 years, new renters will outnumber new homeowners —...
  • What You Need to Know Before Making Year-End Charitable Contributions It's a critical time of year for the not-for-profit sector. Historically, a significant amount of charitable donations occur in the last weeks, days and even hours of the year. In fact, many charities are using "Giving Tuesday" on December 1, 2015, as a catchy way to launch their year-end fundraising...
  • Tax Advice for Military Families and Veterans Members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans are required to pay taxes on their income like everyone else. But special rules sometimes apply. Here's an overview of key tax benefits that the IRS provides to military personnel to thank them for risking their lives for our country. Combat Zone...
  • Climbing the Tax-Efficiency Pyramid to Lower Taxes The opportunity to take action to reduce income tax for 2015 ends in 51 days. The attached article summarizes the primary income tax planning tools that attorneys and CPAs help clients implement at year-end. While I know you may be familiar with some of the attached strategies, we can assist...
  • Benjamin Franklin Said It Best "The only things certain in life are death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin As California residents, we enjoy this wonderful weather, sunshine, beaches and mountains. Unfortunately, California residents have the second highest capital gains rates in the world, second only to Denmark. We face some of the very highest combined...
  • The IRS Takes a Proactive Stance Against Identity Theft and Tax Scams The Federal Trade Commission estimates as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen every year. Although the security of personal data is a top priority of all types of entities, the IRS is especially vigilant, because tax-related identity theft is the most common form of reported identity theft....
  • Rules on Deducting Business Start-Up Expenses A recent U.S. Tax Court decision drives home the important point that current deductions aren't allowed for most expenses incurred while a new business is still in the start-up phase. Other decisions have dealt with the same issue in recent years. So, the proper federal income tax treatment of start-up...
  • IRS Cracks Down on Tax ID Theft: Could You Be a Victim? As the 2013 tax filing season opened, the IRS announced a national crackdown on identity theft schemes aimed at stealing taxpayers' refunds. The tax agency announced there were 734 enforcement actions in January of this year, including indictments, search warrants, complaints and arrests. This follows 2,400 enforcement actions against identity...
  • Minimize Capital Gains with the Two-Year Installment Sale! Everything that you wanted to learn about the two-year installment sale but were too afraid to ask… For California residents, the maximum capital gains tax rate is 37.1%. Planning to minimize capital gains is more important now more than ever before. A little patience may provide the ability to make...
  • Give Your Children the House and Save Taxes The Potential Keys to Paying Uncle Sam Less If your estate is substantial and you're concerned about the federal estate tax bill your heirs will pay, there's a way you might be able to use your house to help the situation. It's may be as simple as giving away your...
  • Two New Estate Tax Developments from the IRS The IRS recently issued final regulations and made an announcement that may be of interest to estate executors, personal representatives and married couples. Here are the details of both developments: 1. Final Regulations Issued on the Portability Election for Spouses The IRS released final regulations on the portability election, which...