Entries by Raffensperger Martin Finkenbiner RMF

How would homeowners fare under the proposed tax law?

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act would make several changes. For example, it retains the mortgage interest deduction (subject to a $1 million cap) for mortgages that already exist on Nov. 2, 2017, as well as for those who entered into a binding written contract before that date. However, for newly purchased homes, the deduction […]

Retirement plans can make loans and hardship distributions to wildfire and Hurricane Maria victims

The IRS has announced that employer-sponsored retirement plans can make loans and hardship distributions to victims (and members of their families) of Hurricane Maria and the California wildfires. In addition, even though IRA participants are barred from taking out loans, they may be eligible to receive distributions under liberalized procedures. Note that the IRS isn’t […]

The ins and outs of tax on “income investments”

Many investors, especially more risk-averse ones, hold much of their portfolios in “income investments” — those that pay interest or dividends, with less emphasis on growth in value. But all income investments aren’t alike when it comes to taxes. So it’s important to be aware of the different tax treatments when managing your income investments. […]