A Checklist of Tax Benefits for Parents of Special Needs Children (Special Needs Answers - Oct. 2007)
Unique tax benefits are available to families with individuals who have special needs.

Avoiding a Penalty on Early Distributions for Qualified Plans and IRAs (Bruce D. Steiner, Esq.)
A 10% penalty generally applies if a taxpayer receives early distributions from a qualified plan or IRA, but there are exceptions. This article focuses on the exception for distributions that are substantially equal periodic payments.

Gift Annuities Benefit Donors, Nonprofits (Wall Street Journal - 2/3/09)
Charitable annuities are the gifts that keep giving. These vehicles allow individuals to support a charity, reduce their tax bill and secure a steady stream of payments for life.

How to Deduct Assisted Living Facility Costs (Robert C. Anderson, LL.M. Taxation, CELA)
The IRS provides an income tax deduction for medical expenses which include "qualified long-term services." This is a helpful article written by one of our friends on important tax considerations for folks who live in an assisted living facility!

IRA Change Helps Retirees Ride Out the Storm (Washington Post - 1/15/09)
It's hard to keep up with all the legislative changes taken as the federal government grapples with the recession.

IRS Issues Guidance on Disability Exemption to Early Distribution From IRA Penalty (Elder Law Answers - 7/12/09)
The Internal Revenue Service provided guidance on when a taxpayer may avoid the 10 percent penalty on IRA distributions before age 59 by claiming to be disabled.

Tax Break for Surviving Spouses Selling Homes (Wall Street Journal - Jan. 20, 2008)
Some widows and widowers thinking of selling their home may benefit from a new law enacted last month. The new law effectively gives them more time to sell and still be eligible for the maximum home-sale tax break available for married couples who file jointly.

To Roth or Not to Roth (Elder Law Answers - 1/12/10)
To review, a Roth and a traditional IRA are effectively the opposite of one another. You get a tax deduction by contributing to a traditional IRA, but the money you take out is taxed at ordinary income tax rates. While there is no immediate tax benefit for contributing to a Roth, you don't have to pay tax on the money when you withdraw the funds in retirement.

2009 Standard Mileage Rates
Standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

6 Important Facts About Tax-Exempt Organizations
Every year, millions of taxpayers donate money to charitable organizations. Here are six things you should know about the tax treatment of tax-exempt organizations.

7 Things You Should Know When Selling Your Home (Tax Tip 2009-54)
People who sell their home may be able to exclude the gain from their income. Here are seven things every homeowner should know if they sold, or plan to sell their house.

Facts About the 2008 Stimulus Payments
From the IRS website

IRS Announces New Chinese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese Tax Glosseries to Assist Taxpayers

IRS Announces Pension Plan Limitations for 2009 (10/16/08)
Cost of living adjustments applicable to dollar limitations for pension plans for tax year 2009.

IRS Reminds Charities and Churches of Political Activity Ban

Practice Before the IRS and Power of Attorney (Publication 947)
This publication discusses who can represent a taxpayer before the IRS and what forms or documents are used to authorize a person to represent a taxpayer.

Treasury and IRS Give Taxpayers Greater Control over Information Held by Tax Preparers
Mandatory requirements for tax preparers to obtain written authorization from taxpayers to use their information for other than preparing tax returns.

Tax Services: Free
The IRS provides free publications, forms and other tax material and information to help taxpayers meet their tax obligations.

Understanding Your EIN
When a trust does and does not need a EIN.

What Every Parent Should Know about Child's Investment Income (2/24/09)
Children with investment income may have part or all of this income taxed at their parent’s tax rate rather than at the child’s rate. Investment income includes interest, dividends, capital gains and other unearned income.