Tax-smart options for your old retirement plan when you change jobs

10_04_16-493245164_ITB_560x292.jpgThere’s a lot to think about when you change jobs, and it’s easy for a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan to get lost in the shuffle. But to keep building tax-deferred savings, it’s important to make an informed decision about your old plan. First and foremost, don’t take a lump-sum distribution from your old employer’s retirement plan. It generally will be taxable and, if you’re under age 59½, subject to a 10% early-withdrawal penalty. Here are three tax-smart alternatives:

Get 2 tax benefits from 1 donation: Give appreciated stock instead of cash

09_27_16-585153656_ITB_560x292.jpgIf you’re charitably inclined, making donations is probably one of your key year-end tax planning strategies. But if you typically give cash, you may want to consider another option that provides not just one but two tax benefits: Donating long-term appreciated stock.

Boost your 2016 deductions by buying a business vehicle this year

09_26_16_505196475_SBTB_560x292.jpgIf you’re looking to boost your deductions — and reduce your 2016 tax bill — you may want to consider purchasing a business vehicle before year end. Business-related purchases of new or used vehicles may be eligible for Section 179 expensing, which allows you to immediately deduct, rather than depreciate over a period of years, some or all of the vehicle’s cost. But the size of your deduction will depend in part on the gross vehicle weight rating.

Time may be running out — again — for tax-free treatment of home mortgage debt forgiveness

09_13_16-485171050_ITB_560x292.jpgIncome tax generally applies to all forms of income, including cancellation-of-debt (COD) income. Think of it this way: If a creditor forgives a debt, you avoid the expense of making the payments, which increases your net income.