Tax planning

For starters, they can use the windfall to pay off debt, shore up their HSAs and build a cash reserve.

The IRS now says some unwanted RMDs can be undone, eliminating the tax bill

For one, clients will owe taxes still on the distributions, unless they recontribute the money into the account within three years.

These direct payments are intended to provide direct assistance to American taxpayers who have lost wages, jobs or opportunities because of COVID-19. But there is some fine print.

“Traditionally, 401(k)s generally have some really good investment options that you wouldn’t be able to do on your own,” an expert says.

Retirees will end up locking in substantial losses if they decide to cash out their investments during a bear market to generate income.

Market volatility brought on by the coronavirus pandemic may present a great time to invest, as many stocks are being sold at bargain prices.

From Roth conversions to QHFDs: The coronavirus pandemic is forcing difficult questions, and clients rightfully are looking for answers that advisors are uniquely suited to provide.

A revocable living trust is one way to reduce their estate taxes, however the law requires clients to sign the document in the presence of the notary.

Seniors should focus on what they can control — such as their reaction to market volatility and their long-term savings.

Can a home equity line of credit offer clients a bridge loan for troubled times? Says one, “I’m going to call those people and rehire them.”

The passage extends the IRA contribution deadline and waives RMDs for 2020. Here’s what else financial advisors need to know.

Turning loss into profit in down markets can seem like magic to some clients.

Older clients are advised to take extra steps to protect their finances as the current crisis may leave them prone to making poor financial decisions.

The Secure Act eliminated a popular retirement planning feature. Here are strategies to help clients mitigate the tax hit.

If they plan to use them for current spending, “then the timing of the distribution would not matter for tax purposes,” an expert writes.

Clients are advised to minimize spending and tap possible sources of cash and credit, including their tax refund.

It follows an earlier decision to delay the payment deadline, but not the filing deadline, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Having retirement assets in both traditional and Roth accounts can help clients hedge their tax bets for retirement,” an expert says.

Some clients can get an extension on paying taxes of up to $1 million and corporations can defer tax payments of up to $10 million.