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Distributable Net Income Application

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Estate PlanningLesson 9: Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates Student Question: Hi Bruce When a Trust has an income accumulation year, must the Trust pay taxes on that accumulation of DNI in the year of accumulation? If so, why do that – why would a Trust hold income at the confiscatory Trust income tax…

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Underinsured Dwelling

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Frank carries an H0-3 policy with $400,000 of coverage and a $1,000 deductible. It would cost $600,000 to rebuild Frank’s house. How much will his insurance company pay on a $100,000 claim related to a fire that started in Frank’s kitchen? $79,000 $82,333 $83,333 $99,000 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand B is the answer. Frank…

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How to Correct a Faulty Claiming Age Decision

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know You may find yourself advising clients and prospects that were either misinformed or unaware of the consequences of claiming Social Security benefits too early. A potential, if not common, client angst is the realization that age 62 was NOT a wise claiming age decision. A client could face three unwelcome results from…

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Loan Impact on Basis in a Modified Endowment Contract

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Course: Insurance PlanningLesson 15: Income Taxation of Life Insurance Student Question: Hello, Can you help me better understand the difference between policy basis in a normal policy and policy basis on a modified endowment contract. From the Coursework: But for MEC purposes, the basis is increased by any portion of loans that were considered taxable…

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Refinance Payment Calculation

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Dale refinanced his home mortgage to a 30 year fixed mortgage with biweekly payments. How much is each payment if he owed $350,000 at the time of the refinance and the interest rate is 3%? $680 $771 $1,136 $1,242 CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand A is the answer. Brandon pays his mortgage every two weeks…

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CFP Board Imposes Public Sanctions On 22 Individuals

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

CFP® Certificants in the News This blog’s title confirms that it’s not always good to have one’s name in the news. According to CFP Board’s November 22, 2021 release, “Certified Financial Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) announced today public sanctions against 22 current or former CFP® professionals or candidates for CFP® certification, effective immediately…

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Net Unrealized Appreciation

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Course: Retirement PlanningLesson 7: Income Distribution Planning for Qualified Plans Student Question: Regarding net unrealized appreciation, the value of company shares at the time of distribution would be considered the client’s cost basis in that any earnings in excess of that amount could be subject to short-term cap gains if sold within a year of…

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Section 179 Expensing

By Dan Madden, CFP®

Which of the following expenses can Vicki expense entirely under Section 179 expense assuming she meets all other requirements? $10,000 for a new coat of paint in the lobby and office. $20,000 for a new roof on the warehouse $30,000 for vacation $25,000 for new computers CLICK TO REVEAL ANSWER Expand D is the answer.…

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The 2021 Crystal Ball: Year-End Tax Strategies for Individuals

By Bruce Starks, CPA, CFP®

Good to Know Year-end tax planning for 2021 depends in large part on proposed legislation, such as the “Build Back Better Act.” Without a reliable crystal ball, the ultimate passage of the Act and other legislation is hard to handicap. However, the passage of the Act could hit many upper-middle-income and high-income taxpayers squarely in…

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