Q1 2021 Stock Market Commentary
The market continued to surge higher as we said goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021. Additional stimulus, mass vaccinations, and hopes for a return to a fully opened economy provided a nice backdrop for the market to further its gains. As rosy as that all sounds, we did run into some volatility late in…
Read MoreDue Date for Federal Income Tax Returns and Payments Postponed to May 17
Due to the unusual conditions related to the coronavirus pandemic, the due date for individuals to file 2020 federal income tax returns and make tax payments has been postponed by the IRS from Thursday, April 15, 2021, to Monday, May 17, 2021. No interest, penalties, or additions to tax will be incurred by taxpayers during…
Read MoreAmerican Rescue Plan Act Provides Relief to Individuals and Businesses
On Thursday, March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA 2021) was signed into law. This is a $1.9 trillion emergency relief package that includes payments to individuals and funding for federal programs, vaccines and testing, state and local governments, and schools. It is intended to assist individuals and businesses during the…
Read MoreIs my Maryland (MD) unemployment income/benefits taxable in 2020?
ALERT: If you received unemployment income/benefits in 2020, and have already filed your taxes, you will most likely be due a refund. Contact us if you find yourself in this situation as the corrected Maryland tax return forms were not ready and are still not available. If you received unemployment, do not file your MD…
Read MorePandemic Relief Measures and Your Tax Return
Two emergency relief bills passed in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will make this an unusual tax season for many taxpayers. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed in March, and a second relief package was attached to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, in December. The federal government relied…
Read MoreTeachers Can Deduct COVID-19 Supplies on Tax Return
Eligible teachers can write off their expenses for coronavirus protective items that will help stop the spread of COVID-19. The IRS has just issued guidance under which teachers can deduct unreimbursed expenses for protective items thanks to the COVID-Related Tax Relief Act that was passed in December. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other items used to stop the…
Read MoreGameStop, Reddit, and Market Mania: What You Need to Know
Over the course of 11 trading days from January 13 to January 28, 2021, the stock of GameStop, a struggling brick-and-mortar video game retailer, skyrocketed by more than 2,200% — creating a mix of excitement and concern throughout the financial world, as well as among many people who pay little attention to the stock market.1 Other…
Read MoreWhen Must I Report the Interest from Series EE Savings Bonds on my Tax Form?
The interest that your savings bonds earn, regardless of whether you receive it, is subject to federal income tax, but not to state and local income tax. It is also subject to any federal estate, gift, and excise taxes as well as any state estate or inheritance taxes. Using the money from Series EE savings bonds for higher education…
Read MoreFinancial Aid Changes on the Horizon
The U.S. Department of Education has designated February as Financial Aid Awareness Month, and this year there’s a lot to talk about. On December 21, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, another relief package in response to the pandemic. Included in the bill were several provisions related to education, including many changes to…
Read MoreIncome Tax Planning and 529 Plans
The income tax benefits offered by 529 plans make these plans attractive to parents (and others) who are saving for college or K-12 tuition. Qualified withdrawals from a 529 plan are tax free at the federal level, and some states also offer tax breaks to their residents. It’s important to evaluate the federal and state…
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