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Take Note: Make Charitable Donations by December 31!

December 6, 2022

As the end of the year approaches, we should all take note of certain deadlines with regard to tax planning. Otherwise, you could end up wishing you had made different decisions when it’s time to file your taxes in the spring. For those of you who plan to utilize charitable donations as a deduction on your income tax returns, here is what you need to know. 


Understand the limits. Fortunately, for both you and the charities you plan to support, the limits on the charitable donation deduction are set quite high. If you donate cash to charity, you can deduct up to 60 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI)! And if you make non-cash donations, you can claim up to 30 percent of your AGI for those. 


The charitable donations deduction can also be used to reduce capital gains taxes. When you sell assets that you have held for more than one year, capital gains tax will apply to the profit. But you can avoid this tax by donating the non-cash asset directly to charity, while also claiming the deduction for your charitable contribution. 


Donor-advised funds allow you to earn your deduction now, while deciding upon worthy causes later. Maybe you want to earn your tax deduction for charitable contributions by the end of the year, but don’t have time to decide upon a charity. Set up a donor-advised fund, and you can go ahead and make your donation to the fund. This buys you more time to decide upon a worthy cause and disburse the money later. 


Charitable contributions can offset the tax liability of required minimum distributions (RMDs). Once you’re required to begin RMDs from your retirement account, those distributions will be taxed as income. However, you can direct part or all of the withdrawal to a Qualified Charitable Distribution instead. The money won’t be counted as taxable income if you set up distributions this way. 


Remember to save your receipts or card statements. In the event that your return is ever audited, you will need to prove your tax deductions. Save receipts from your charities or make donations by credit card so that you can simply provide your card statements as proof. 


We’re here to help. Call us for more information on year-end financial planning, and we can guide you toward a giving strategy that benefits you and your chosen organizations. 

Using Life Insurance to Protect Your Business: Key Strategies for Business Owners

February 11, 2025
As a business owner, safeguarding your enterprise against unforeseen events is crucial for long-term success. Life insurance offers several strategies to protect your business, ensure continuity, and provide financial stability during challenging times. Two primary methods are buy-sell agreements and key person insurance. Buy-Sell Agreements A buy-sell agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the procedure for transferring ownership if an owner departs due to death, disability, or retirement. Funding this agreement with life insurance ensures a smooth transition and financial security for the remaining owners and the departing owner's beneficiaries. Types of Buy-Sell Agreements Cross-Purchase Agreement: Each owner purchases a life insurance policy on the other owners. Upon an owner's death, the surviving owners use the policy proceeds to buy the deceased owner's share. This method is often suitable for businesses with a few owners. Entity Purchase Agreement: The business itself owns life insurance policies on each owner. If an owner passes away, the business uses the proceeds to buy back the deceased owner's share, redistributing it among the remaining owners. This approach is typically preferred for businesses with multiple owners. Key Person Insurance Key person insurance is a policy that a business takes out on essential employees whose loss could significantly impact operations. The business owns the policy, pays the premiums, and is the beneficiary. If a key person dies or becomes disabled, the policy proceeds can be used to: Cover the costs of finding and training a replacement. Offset lost revenue resulting from the key person's absence. Reassure clients, creditors, and investors of the business's stability. This strategy is vital for businesses where certain individuals are integral to success, such as top executives, lead developers, or primary sales personnel. Additional Strategies Beyond buy-sell agreements and key person insurance, consider these life insurance strategies: Collateral Assignment: Use a life insurance policy as collateral for business loans. In the event of the owner's death, the lender is paid from the policy proceeds, preventing financial strain on the business. Executive Bonus Plans: Provide key employees with life insurance policies as part of their compensation package. This not only offers them personal financial protection but also serves as an incentive for retention. Deferred Compensation Plans: Promise to pay key employees a certain amount at retirement, funded through life insurance policies. This ensures the business can meet its obligations without affecting cash flow. Implementing life insurance strategies is essential for business owners aiming to protect their enterprises from unforeseen events. Work with us to explore your life insurance options and we can help your business remain resilient and continue to thrive.

What Happens If You Outlive Your Term Life Insurance?

February 1, 2025
Term life insurance provides coverage for a specified period, such as 10, 20, or 30 years. If you outlive your term policy, the coverage ends, and no death benefit is paid to your beneficiaries. As you approach the end of your term, it's essential to evaluate your current financial situation and consider options to maintain life insurance coverage if needed. Options to Consider Annual Renewable Term: Some term policies offer an option to renew annually after the initial term expires. While this allows you to extend coverage without a medical exam, premiums typically increase each year based on your age, making it a potentially costly option over time. PROGRESSIVE.COM Policy Conversion: Term-to-Permanent Conversion: Many term policies include a conversion feature, allowing you to convert your term policy into a permanent life insurance policy, such as whole or universal life, without undergoing a medical examination. This option can provide lifelong coverage and build cash value, but premiums will be higher than those of the original term policy. NEWYORKLIFE.COM Purchasing a New Policy New Term Policy: Applying for a new term life insurance policy can be an option, especially if you're still in good health. However, premiums will be higher due to increased age, and you may need to undergo a medical exam. Permanent Life Insurance: Alternatively, you might consider purchasing a permanent life insurance policy, which provides lifelong coverage and accumulates cash value. This option is generally more expensive but offers additional benefits. Exploring Alternative Coverage: Final Expense Insurance: Designed to cover end-of-life expenses, such as funeral costs and medical bills, final expense insurance offers a smaller death benefit with more affordable premiums and may not require a medical exam. Guaranteed Universal Life Insurance: This type of policy provides coverage for a specified age (e.g., up to age 90 or 100) with lower premiums compared to whole life insurance, focusing primarily on the death benefit without significant cash value accumulation. Take Action Now As your term life insurance policy nears its expiration, assess your current financial needs and health status to determine the most suitable course of action. Consulting with an insurance professional can help you navigate your options and select the best solution to ensure continued financial protection for your loved ones.
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