Equity compensation for employees is booming. As stock markets surge, companies find rejuvenated value in granting equity to employees, not just to executives. Those employees, in turn, are getting ever more comfortable with stock investing via online trading apps. All of this means that the need for financial-planning advice is also booming, especially for employees
Taxes
Depending on the month, day, hour, or minute you check the news, you might think investing in cryptocurrency or being paid in cryptocurrency is the greatest idea since sliced bread or the worst possible use of your money, ever. Whether you agree with Warren Buffett that cryptocurrency has “no value” or think Bitcoin’s value will
The American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit (or CTC) to $3,000 per qualifying child between the ages of 6 and 17 or under (thus expanding eligibility for an additional year) and further increased the credit to $3,600 per qualifying child under age 6 for tax year 2021 only (and income thresholds apply). The
As recent letters to taxpayers who might be eligible for the advance child tax credit indicated would happen, the IRS is in the midst of launching online portals to help families navigate the advance credit for 2021. This is the next big step in implementing the expanded benefit before monthly distributions of the advance credit begin in
Today’s column addresses questions about spousal benefit amounts when both spouses file at 62, taking retroactive retirement benefits before larger spousal benefits and when divorced spousal benefits might be available. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder and president of Economic Security Planning, Inc, which markets Maximize My Social
The leaders of the world’s seven richest democracies ended their meeting in Britain on Sunday. This episode of What’s Ahead explains why other than pledging to get more Covid-19 vaccines to poorer nations, this ballyhooed confab was a big-time disappointment. Regarding President Biden’s promise of tough and united action against China, especially on its human
In this episode of Tax Notes Talk, Professor Patricia A. Cain of the Santa Clara University School of Law discusses the unique tax challenges faced by members of the LGBTQ community in the past and today. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity. David D. Stewart: Welcome to the podcast. I’m David Stewart, editor in chief of Tax
The Internal Revenue Service today updated its Child Tax Credit information page with FAQs and a new online tool to reach low-income people who don’t normally file tax returns. The American Rescue Act’s enhanced child tax credit basically means that 36 million families with kids get more money in their pockets earlier this year—instead of
Today’s column addresses questions about what stopping work a number of years before filing means for later Social Security retirement benefit amounts, whether spousal benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at 70 and how the earnings test can affect early survivor benefits. Larry Kotlikoff is a Professor of Economics at Boston University and the founder
With the new administration calling for a significant increase in funding for the IRS -– many potential tax whistleblowers are considering whether they should now come forward and submit a Form 211 to the IRS. The Form 211 is the path for submitting information (and requesting an award) to the IRS about individuals and businesses