When start-ups launch, their focus is often on tightly controlling expenses. Most need to establish a brand and some semblance of stability before funding anything other than essential operating activities.
RMD Deadline and Penalties
If you’re subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs), you must take your 2024 RMD by December 31 to avoid penalties.
2025 Brings Slight Increase to Retirement Savings
How much can you and your employees contribute to your 401(k)s or other retirement plans next year? In Notice 2024-80, the IRS recently announced cost-of-living adjustments that apply to the dollar limitations for retirement plans, as well as other qualified plans, for 2025. With inflation easing, the amounts aren’t increasing as much as in recent years.
How Can You Build a Golden Nest Egg if You’re Self-Employed?
If you own a small business with no employees (other than your spouse) and want to set up a retirement plan, consider a solo 401(k) plan. This option is also for self-employed individuals or business owners who wish to upgrade from a SIMPLE IRA or Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) plan.
Could a 412(e)(3) Retirement Plan Suit Your Business?
When companies reach the point where they’re ready to sponsor a qualified retirement plan, the first one that may come to mind is the 401(k). However, there are other, lesser-used options that could suit the distinctive needs of some business owners. Case in point: the 412(e)(3) plan.
Handle Your 401(k) Rollover With Care
Leaving a job? You may want to roll over funds in your former employer’s 401(k) plan to an IRA. But there’s a tax trap for the unwary. If you receive a 401(k) plan check that’s payable to you personally or if you have a distribution put into a personal account electronically, 20% of the taxable amount of the payout will be withheld for federal tax.
SEP IRAs vs. SIMPLE IRAs: Choosing the Best Retirement Option
Many small business owners run their companies as leanly as possible. This often means not offering what are considered standard fringe benefits for midsize or larger companies, such as a retirement plan.
Retirement Saving Options for Your Small Business
Consider some options if you’re looking for a retirement plan for yourself and your employees but are worried about the financial commitment and administrative burdens involved. One possibility is a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP).
This plan, which comes with relative ease of administration and the discretion to make or not make annual contributions, is especially attractive for small businesses.
There May Still Be Time to Lower Your Tax Bill
If you’re preparing to file your 2023 tax return, you may still be able to lower your tax bill – or increase your refund. If you qualify, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA right up until the original filing deadline, April 15, 2024, and see tax savings on your 2023 return.
Appraisals Aren’t Just for Businesses
Whether you’re in the process of making a retirement or estate plan or you intend to donate property to charity, you’ll need to know the value of your assets. An appraisal may be necessary for many hard-to-value items, such as closely held business interests, real estate, art, and collectibles.