Maximize your year-end giving with gifts that offer tax benefits
As year end approaches, you may be thinking about tax strategies. One way to reduce potential estate taxes is to give cash gifts before Dec. 31 using the annual exclusion. In 2024, the exclusion amount is $18,000. We can also prepare a gift tax return for you. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK with questions.
Making defined-value gifts may benefit your estate plan
Making hard-to-value gifts, such as interests in a closely held business, can raise the concern of the IRS. To help avoid an unexpected outcome, consider making a defined-value gift. It’s a gift of assets valued at a specific dollar amount rather than a certain number of stock shares or FLP units or a specified percentage of a business entity. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK for more estate planning tips.
Amanda Woller, QKA®, MBA earns Qualified 401(k) Administrator Credential
SEK, CPAs & Advisors is pleased to announce Amanda Woller, QKA®, MBA, Senior Administrator, has successfully completed the certification process with the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuarie
You know your nonprofit is ethical. Put it in writing!
Even if you’re confident your organization operates with integrity, a code of ethics can help prevent fraud, guide staffers in their decision-making and reassure donors. Think of it as a statement of how you, your staff and volunteers, and your board practice ideals and put values into action. Contact the nonprofit advisors at SEK for help.
Employers: In 2025, the Social Security wage base is going up
The Social Security Administration has announced that the wage base for computing Social Security tax will rise to $176,100 in 2025. The Federal Insurance Contributions Act imposes two taxes on employers, employees and self-employed workers. One is Social Security and the other is Medicare. Contact the business tax advisors at SEK for more info.
Is your money-losing activity a hobby or a business?
Let’s say you have a sideline activity that you consider a business. Will the IRS agree that your venture is a business, not a hobby? It’s an essential question for tax purposes. We may be able to help you prove your money-losing activity is really a for-profit business that hasn’t paid off yet. That way, you can deduct the losses. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK for help.
Don’t be afraid of probate
Few estate planning subjects are as misunderstood as probate. In basic terms, probate is the process of settling an estate and passing legal title of ownership of assets to heirs. If the deceased person has a valid will, probate begins when the executor named in the will presents the document in the county courthouse. Its biggest downside is the fact that probate is public. Contact the estate planning advisors at SEK for additional details on the probate process.
Nonprofit board independence is about more than avoiding conflicts of interest
Some nonprofit leaders mistakenly believe that board member independence is only about addressing conflicts of interest. But director independence goes beyond avoiding conflicts of interest. In fact, the IRS has a four-part definition of independence. If a majority of your organization’s board members don’t meet all four criteria, the IRS, donors and other stakeholders could call your governance into question. Contact the nonprofit advisors at SEK for details.
Unlock your child’s potential by investing in a 529 plan
If you have a child or grandchild planning to attend college, you may wonder about investing in a qualified tuition program or 529 plan. You don’t get a federal tax deduction for contributions, but the earnings aren’t taxed while the funds are in the program. Contact the CPAs and tax advisors at SEK to learn more.
Achieve multiple estate planning goals with one trust: A CRT
Two common estate planning goals are contributing to a favorite charity and leaving significant assets to your family under favorable tax terms. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) can help you achieve both goals. Contact the CPAs and estate planning advisor at SEK for details.