Ed Slott

Armed with some specific details, advisors can explain why the seductive option is both too good and too good to be true.

Advisors may need to alert clients as to when these checks will be taxable.

After a booking error by an advisor, a client barely avoided being taxed on $500,000 and dodged more than $200,000 in taxes and penalties.

A lump-sum distribution for net unrealized appreciation on employer stock can slash a tax bill in half, but there’s plenty of fine print.

When financial emergencies compel early withdrawals from clients' retirement accounts, they face income tax and often an additional 10% penalty.

Errors are regrettably common. They are also easily avoidable.

Retirement plans may decline to offer delayed RMDs, plan loans, stretch and hardship distributions and a host of other legally sanctioned tax maneuvers.

Community property rules, how to divide 401(k)s and the nuances of QRDOs are just some of the specifics advisors should know.

Financial planners don’t have to be attorneys to help clients avoid high cost oversights

The biggest QCD question is whether it will be effective for a check not cashed by year’s end?

Retirement assets received in a divorce settlement may be available to creditors, a federal court has ruled. The decision may have far-reaching consequences for clients.

Still, time is limited. Tell clients they’d better take advantage of the current exemption before it expires.

How advisors can help clients protect these funds when inherited. If they don't, a few small, early mistakes can cause a client to lose most of the proceeds.

Military families can use one of these provisions to seriously cut their tax burden. Plus, can clients make an IRA contribution on behalf of a deceased person?

Advisors can help by being familiar with tax relief options that might be available to affected clients. Here's what to look for.

This is your last chance to use a tax strategy that was unfairly demonized by some lawmakers during tax reform debates.

With the expenses no longer deductible, will clients ask for new planning options?

Avoiding this oversight can save clients from costly and painful legal battles after a loved one has passed away.

Even though the program was created by a large multinational corporation, companies of all sizes could utilize this approach.