Nearly three-quarters (73%) of US adults living with a spouse or partner said financial decisions have caused tension in their relationship, an AICPA survey found.
Personal financial planning
How CPAs bill for financial planning services
Four CPA financial planners discuss how they chose to structure their billing, why they chose the method they did, and why it works for their firm.
Identity theft a risk to consumers as online purchases increase
Amid a pandemic-related surge in online shopping, identity theft poses a more significant risk to consumers. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans experienced identity theft attempts, according to a new AICPA survey.
Help clients make the most of 2020 charitable giving
Mike Landsberg, CPA/PFS, discusses what he’s seeing in terms of charitable giving this year, how the CARES Act has affected giving, and how clients can use giving to save on taxes while contributing to causes that matter to them.
New Form W-4 slow to gain traction with taxpayers
Only 26% of taxpayers have changed their withholding since Form W-4 was revised in 2019, an AICPA survey found.
Answering clients’ estate planning questions this December
This article offers answers to questions from clients who are concerned about protecting their estate from tax changes that might happen in 2021.
The COVID-19 era: Planning for the year end and beyond
Tax-savvy and risk-averse strategies come to the fore.
Ask the expert: Tax planning
Karla D’Alleva Valas leads Fidelity Charitable’s adviser success strategy focused on CPAs who prioritize charitable planning as integral to their practice. Previously, she led the Complex Asset Group, a team of attorneys working with CPAs to facilitate charitable donations of appreciated private company stock and other nonpublic assets.
It’s a tough year for year-end tax planning
Advisers face the difficult task of helping clients plan for next year without knowing for certain which party will control the Senate.
Quiz: Are you ready for year-end planning during a pandemic?
When it comes time to put on your year-end planning hat, will you be prepared to provide the best tax and financial planning advice to clients? Take this quiz to see if you’re ready to tackle year-end planning for 2020.
How to help clients dealing with a loved one’s addiction
CPAs can help families navigate the financial side of substance abuse.
COVID-19 and withdrawals from retirement plans
Taxpayers under financial duress caused by the pandemic can avoid penalties.
Inflation-adjusted income ranges for 2021 IRA and 401(k) plans
The IRS announced that the income ranges for employee participation in workplace 401(k) plans and IRA contributions will increase from 2020 to 2021. Most of the other retirement plan contribution limits stayed the same, however.
Americans’ personal financial satisfaction sees record rebound
The AICPA’s Personal Financial Satisfaction Index (PFSi) rose 99% in the third quarter, setting a new record for quarterly growth. This finding underscores this year’s economic volatility, as last quarter the PFSi saw its largest-ever quarterly decline.
Unclaimed property distributions allowed as self-certified rollovers
The IRS issued guidance adding state unclaimed property fund distributions to the list of reasons that taxpayers may self-certify that they missed the 60-day deadline to roll over funds to a qualified retirement plan.
ABLE account final rules provide wide-ranging guidance
Eligible individuals with disabilities received guidance from the IRS on the rules regarding ABLE accounts. Tax-favored ABLE accounts allow eligible individuals to save money to meet qualified disability expenses.
Slott and Thies receive PFP honors
Ed Slott received the Sidney Kess Award for Excellence in Continuing Education, and Zach Thies received the P. Thomas Austin Personal Financial Planning Scholarship.
Time to consider a Roth conversion
A qualified rollover contribution to a Roth IRA or an in-plan rollover to a designated Roth account, known as a Roth conversion, can be attractive for CPA advisers’ clients because it provides a higher net present value of cash flow from their retirement savings, benefiting themselves or their beneficiaries.
Standing Ovation program recognizes CPAs for contributions to PFP and IMTA
Eleven young CPAs received Standing Ovation awards, which recognize professional achievement in personal financial planning (PFP), business valuation, and forensic accounting, and in information management and technology assurance (IMTA).
How COVID-19 could affect health spending
Being aware of national trends can help financial professionals assist their individual and business clients prepare for future health spending needs.
Features
FROM THIS MONTH'S ISSUE
AI risks CPAs should know
Are you ready for the AI revolution in accounting? This JofA Technology Q&A article explores the top risks CPAs face—from hallucinations to deepfakes—and ways to mitigate them.
