Tax Strategy

Tax Filing: Are You Ready? February 1, 2024 1:12 PM   |  

The sooner you start gathering your tax forms and getting ready to file, the less stress you're likely to feel as Tax Day approaches.

5 min read  |  Taxes & Tax Planning
401(k) Tax "Deduction": What You Need to Know January 16, 2024 1:09 PM   |  

You may be eligible for a 401(k) tax deduction if you have a retirement account. Read about contribution limits, employer contributions, and tax-deferred options.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Capital Loss Deduction: Tax Season Basics for Investors December 19, 2023 1:03 PM   |  

A capital loss deduction can offset gains and lower taxes, but important factors must be considered. Let's explore questions about capital losses for taxpayers.

5 min read  |  Tax Strategy
SIMPLE IRA Rules and Contribution Limits for 2023 and 2024 December 4, 2023 1:53 PM   |  

SIMPLE IRAs are a retirement savings option that employers may pick for their workers and themselves. Explore the rules and contribution limits of SIMPLE IRAs.

3 min read  |  Small Business
Charitable Donations Tax Deduction: 2023 Update November 21, 2023 1:29 PM   |  

Planning a yearend charitable contribution? Learn about the charitable donations tax deduction and what code changes to expect for the 2023 tax season.

3 min read  |  Tax Strategy
Can I Contribute to an IRA and a 401(k)? Yes, and 2024’s Contribution Limits Are Still at Record Highs November 16, 2023 12:52 PM   |  

Can I contribute to both my employer's 401(k) and a traditional or Roth IRA? How do I make the most of my retirement savings with more than one account?

4 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
5 Year-End Tax-Planning Strategies to Consider Before the End of the Year November 2, 2023 1:10 PM   |  

It’s a good idea to review tax-planning strategies at the end of the year. Some strategies can even help reduce the tax burden or give yourself a larger refund.

5 min read  |  Tax Strategy
Can I Withdraw From My 401k? You Might Have Better Options May 25, 2023 11:14 AM   |  

Can I withdraw from my 401(k)? The short answer is yes, but you might want to consider other alternatives before cashing out your 401(k). Read more in this overview.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Can You Take Money Out of a Roth IRA? Withdrawal Rules to Know April 19, 2023 12:58 PM   |  

The Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a popular tax-advantaged retirement account. Here’s what to know about Roth IRA early withdrawal rules.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
New Year’s Resolution: Get Up to Speed on New IRA Rollover Rule April 19, 2023 12:52 PM   |  

As new IRS rules on IRA rollover distributions take effect in 2015, it’s important investors understand the implications for taxes and retirement planning.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Near-Identical Cousin? 403(b) Plans & Tax Implications Explained April 19, 2023 12:48 PM   |  

What's the difference between a 401(k) and a 403(b)? Find out when the 403(b) might work for you.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Income Tax: A Slice for Uncle Sam April 19, 2023 12:09 PM   |  

Income tax may be something most of us take for granted. But how does it work?

5 min read  |  Income Tax
Health Savings Account: Triple-Whammy Tax Deductions April 19, 2023 12:08 PM   |  

Got a health savings account? They’re great around tax time. Here are tips to maximize your deductions and savings.

3 min read  |  Income Tax
Final Answer: Three Estate-Planning Tax Considerations April 19, 2023 12:07 PM   |  

Estate planning could be one of the most important things you do for your family. Here are three considerations.

3 min read  |  Estate Planning
Learning About Learning Costs: Making Sense of Education Expense Tax Deductions and Credits April 19, 2023 12:05 PM   |  

If you have kids, you already know that education can be expensive. But your dear Uncle Sam has offered up a number of tax deductions and tax credits to help you.

3 min read  |  College Savings Plans
Child Tax Credit 2021: Got Kids or Young Dependents? What the New Rules Mean for You April 19, 2023 11:55 AM   |  

If you have children or young dependents, you may be eligible to claim the child tax credit for 2021 and reduce your tax bill or increase your refund.

3 min read  |  Income Tax
Don't Get Blindsided: The Importance of Tax Return Estimators April 19, 2023 11:21 AM   |  

Learn how to forecast your potential tax bill or refund with a tax estimator.

5 min read  |  Income Tax
Is the 1040-SR Tax Form Right for You? If You’re a Senior, It Could Be January 31, 2023 10:09 AM   |  

What is the 1040-SR form? If you're going to be 65 or older at the start of 2023, you can file your taxes with this form. Here's everything you need to know.

5 min read  |  Income Tax
Roth vs. Traditional IRA: Which One Makes More Sense? January 4, 2023 11:10 AM   |  

What’s the difference between a Roth and traditional IRA? When does a Roth IRA make sense? Can I have both? TD Ameritrade can help you decide.

3 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Retirement Updates: 2023 IRA & 401(k) Contribution Limits January 3, 2023 11:28 AM   |  

The IRS has announced new contribution limits for tax-advantaged retirement plans. Here's what to know about IRA and Roth 401(k) contribution limits for 2023.

18 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
What to Do With an Old 401(k)? 4 Choices to Consider December 29, 2022 12:06 PM   |  

If you've frequently changed jobs, you may have forgotten about your 401(k) funds. Read these choices to determine what to do with an old 401(k) held with a former employer.

22 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Over the Roth IRA Income Limit? Considering a "Backdoor" Roth IRA? December 28, 2022 11:18 AM   |  

Wish you could contribute to a Roth IRA, but you're above the income limit? Consider using a backdoor Roth IRA to make it happen.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Wash Sales and How to Avoid Them December 15, 2022 2:16 PM   |  

Wash sale tax rules have been recently reported by brokers as wash sale adjustments as part of covered cost-basis reporting. Learn more about the breakdown here.

3 min read  |  Tax Forms
Estate Planning Checklist and Tips That Aren't Just for the Wealthy September 8, 2022 11:05 AM   |  

You've worked hard to build your assets. An estate planning checklist can be helpful for any income level. Learn about 529 plans and other tax-advantaged strategies.

4 min read  |  Estate Planning
What Happens When You Inherit an IRA? Here’s a Breakdown August 31, 2022 11:02 AM   |  

Inherited IRA? Here’s what you need to know about making the most of that money.

5 min read  |  Estate Planning
Small Business Retirement: Debunking Some Common SEP-IRA Myths August 26, 2022 10:56 AM   |  

False myths about a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) Individual Retirement Account (IRA) may be keeping you from considering them. Here's why business owners should consider SEP-IRAs for employees.

8 min read  |  Small Business
New Job? Deciding Whether to Roll Over the Old 401(k) April 14, 2022 10:50 AM   |  

People change jobs; it’s a fact of the modern workforce. But if you have a 401(k) from your old job, you need to decide what to do with it.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
2022 Roth IRA Income & Contribution Limits: What You Need to Know March 8, 2022 10:38 AM   |  

Interested in contributing to a Roth IRA? Here’s what you need to know about Roth IRA income and contribution limits in 2022.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
To Withdraw or Not to Withdraw: IRA & 401(k) Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) Rules & FAQs September 2, 2021 10:15 AM   |  

New RMD rules require withdrawing funds from your IRA and 401(k) at 72. If you don’t take the required minimum distribution, you could face a tax penalty.

4 min read  |  Plan Distributions
5 Things to Consider for Your Tax Refund April 30, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Anticipating a tax refund? Before you blow it on something frivolous, consider these five ideas on how you might better use it.

5 min read  |  Tax Strategy
Taxes: The Business of Running Your Trading Business January 4, 2021 10:30 AM   |  

Taxes can be a drag. But they're necessary. And as a trader, there are some things you should know about taxes. Being aware of some important items at the start of the year can help make the process simpler and quicker.

5 min read  |  thinkMoney Magazine
In Changing Times, Does Investing in a 529 Plan for College Still Make Sense? December 8, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

High costs and an uncertain job future have some parents weighing the idea of college.

5 min read  |  College Savings Plans
It's Shopping Season: Ideas to Help You Choose ETFs November 19, 2020 11:02 AM   |  

Considering exchange-traded funds (ETFs)? Understand fit, style, and value before you shop.

5 min read  |  ETFs & Mutual Funds
CARES Act and Retirement Relief: No RMDs for 2020 October 8, 2020 2:52 PM   |  

How might the CARES Act impact your retirement accounts? Here’s what you need to know about tax and retirement relief in the time of the coronavirus.

5 min read  |  Retirement Planning
Distributions, Emergencies, and More: How to Plan and Prioritize Stock Sales September 4, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

In an ideal world, you’d never need to sell any portion of your portfolio for cash, but sometimes you may have to. Here are some things to consider when selling stocks in an emergency.

5 min read  |  Household Finances
What Is a 529 College Savings Plan, and What Education Expenses Can I Use It For? July 6, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

Saving for college? The 529 plan is one of the most common college savings tools. Learn how a 529 plan can help you invest and save for higher education.

3 min read  |  College Savings Plans
Excited About Your Tax Refund? It May Not Be Worth the Deferred Earnings March 17, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

Tax refund time can seem like a bonanza, but it’s not free money. It’s your money, and you’ve been loaning it, interest free, to Uncle Sam.

5 min read  |  Income Tax
Five Questions to Help Make the Most of Your Employee Benefits March 9, 2020 11:00 AM   |  

Open enrollment is an opportunity to put yourself and your financial health first. Here are five questions to help you make the most of your employee benefits.

5 min read  |  Goal Planning
Could Divorce Derail Your Retirement? What You Need to Know February 19, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

Going through a divorce? Its effect on your retirement might not be your first consideration. But it’s important to understand how post-divorce finances could impact your retirement.

5 min read  |  Retirement Planning
As the Name Implies: Your Guide to Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts February 4, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

A trust can be a great planning tool, but it’s important to know the difference between a revocable versus an irrevocable trust.

5 min read  |  Estate Planning
Spelling Out the RMD: Understanding Required Minimum Distributions January 31, 2020 10:15 AM   |  

If you’re turning 72 years old and have assets in a traditional IRA, 401(k), or 403(b), you’re subject to required minimum distributions (RMDs). Here are some things to know.

39 min read  |  Plan Distributions
Thinking of Moving to a Low-Tax State? Consider These Factors First January 24, 2020 10:30 AM   |  

When planning for retirement, many people consider moving to states with low income taxes. But there are many other variables to consider, including the total tax burden and overall cost of living, when deciding whether to take the plunge and switch states.

5 min read  |  Retirement Planning
Social Security Taxes: 3 Ideas to Help Minimize the Impact January 2, 2020 10:00 AM   |  

Many retirees are surprised to learn that, above a certain income threshold, Social Security can be subject to taxation. Here are strategies to consider.

5 min read  |  Social Security
Retirement Mistakes: 5 Retirement Myths That Can Sabotage Your Plans October 30, 2019 10:15 AM   |  

There are several retirement myths that could lead to mistakes in your retirement planning. Don't risk sabotaging your retirement by accepting these myths as truth.

3 min read  |  Goal Planning
College Savings Plans 101: Commonly Asked Questions Answered August 9, 2019 10:15 AM   |  

From getting your college savings plans started to later tax implications, we've got information on the most commonly asked college education savings questions.

5 min read  |  College Savings Plans
Options Strategy Basics: Looking Under the Hood of Covered Calls March 5, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Learn how a covered call options strategy can attempt to sell stock at a target price; collect premium and potentially dividends; and limit tax liability.

8 min read  |  Options Trading Basics
Five Questions to Consider Before Buying a Second Home February 14, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Do you want to own a second home as an investment or vacation property? Learn why it’s important to look before you leap.

3 min read  |  Savings Goals
Social Security: How It Works and Strategies to Maximize Your Benefits January 23, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Learn how Social Security works and how to maximize your benefits and retirement income.

5 min read  |  Social Security
Small Business 401(k): Helping You and Your Employees Save More For the Future January 4, 2019 4:00 AM   |  

Small business owners and self-employed workers concerned about retirement investing should consider specialized IRA plans.

4 min read  |  Small Business
Key Tax Strategies to Start the Year December 14, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

As the year ends, it’s time to get your financial footing in place for 2018 taxes and 2019 investment and savings goals.

5 min read  |  Tax Strategy
Max 401(k) Contributions: Consider Giving Your Retirement a Lift November 22, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

Learn about the max 401(k) contribution so you can get the biggest bang for your retirement buck.

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Working Toward Retirement Goals? Consider the Max IRA Contribution November 20, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

How can maxing your IRA contributions help you in the coming tax season?

5 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
New Tax Laws: What They Mean for Investors November 9, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

Learn how new tax laws might impact your income, retirement and education savings plans, as well as your family's financial well-being.

5 min read  |  Tax Strategy
Investing Close to Home: The Basics of Municipal Bonds October 15, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

What are tax-free muni bonds? Learn the unique benefits and risks of this debt-security investment vehicle.

5 min read  |  Bonds & Fixed Income
Financial Aid: Understanding Expected Family Contribution (EFC) October 11, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

Expected family contribution? As the time comes to start using the college savings you've accrued, be sure to know your EFC for your financial aid worksheets.

5 min read  |  College Savings Plans
Asset Location & Asset Dislocation: Cashing in Your Retirement August 27, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

Asset dislocation—liquidating or selling the assets in your retirement accounts—involves tax planning and budgeting, among other things. Are you ready?

5 min read  |  Retirement Planning
Tax Planning: Using Donor-Advised Funds for Charitable Donations August 9, 2018 4:00 AM   |  

Learn how donor-advised funds can help you amp up charitable donations and potentially offer tax benefits.

5 min read  |  Income Tax
Tax Incentives: Govt Guiding Good Choices in Savings, Investing April 2, 2018 12:00 AM   |  

Tax incentives are designed to stimulate the economy. See the popular tax deductions and tax credits aimed at education, home buying and retirement savings from TD Ameritrade.

3 min read  |  Income Tax
Tax Liability in an IRA? Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBTI) March 21, 2018 8:00 PM   |  

Publicly traded or private partnerships within the IRA can create UBTI or unrelated business taxable income. Learn how to report this information when filing taxes.

2 min read  |  Tax Forms
Attention Snowbirds: Don't Get Hit With Unexpected Tax Bills March 15, 2017 12:00 AM   |  

If you split your time between two residences, proper tax planning should include certainty on your residency status and domicile.

4 min read  |  Retirement Lifestyle
Want a Smooth Handoff? Consider a TOD Registration February 21, 2017 11:00 PM   |  

How adding a transfer-on-death registration to your investment accounts may help smooth the transfer of assets to your heirs.

2 min read  |  Estate Planning
The Rundown on IRAs: What They Mean for You February 14, 2017 11:00 PM   |  

Build your retirement nest egg with an individual retirement account. There are tax advantages of Roth, Traditional, SIMPLE and SEP IRAs.

2 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Inherited IRAs and Complex Rules: What You Need to Know January 18, 2017 11:00 PM   |  

Inherited IRAs may be simple exchanges for spouses, but require a little more work for those family members and friends who aren’t.

4 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Late-Year Retirement Checkups = Great. Automating? Even Better December 22, 2016 7:00 PM   |  

Use the final months of the year for retirement account tune-ups, including automated steps that can help you avoid penalty risk.

4 min read  |  Tax Strategy
Preparing for Retirement: Singles Need To Think Differently October 13, 2016 12:00 AM   |  

Here are six strategies to consider when planning for retirement on your own.

3 min read  |  Goal Planning
New Job: Should Your 401(k) Stay, Go, or Roll Over? A Look at IRAs August 31, 2016 12:00 AM   |  

Before getting settled into your new job, think about what to do with your 401(k). Should you leave it alone, join a new plan, or roll over to an IRA?

3 min read  |  IRA & 401k Plans
Can Changes to MEPs Help Small Business Save for Retirement? April 25, 2016 12:00 AM   |  

Tucked into President Obama’s $4 trillion fiscal 2017 budget are initiatives intended to foster employee-sponsored retirement plans. Can these changes help?

3 min read  |  Small Business
Retirement Income: A Look at Annuities February 29, 2016 11:00 PM   |  

Our chief market strategist breaks down the day's top business stories and offers insight on how they might impact your trading and investing.

3 min read  |  Annuities
Making the Most of IRA Withdrawals November 3, 2015 3:00 AM   |  

After years of contributing to your IRA, making withdrawals can take some getting used to. We’ve gathered some possible alternatives to help you manage your mandatory withdrawals.

3 min read  |  Plan Distributions
Back to Work? When an Encore Career Just Doesn’t Pay July 14, 2015 8:00 PM   |  

Working in retirement can stretch your budget and your mind. But there are tax, IRA withdrawal, and Social Security benefits to consider.

6 min read  |  Retirement Lifestyle
Four Investor To-Dos Before the Ball Drops on 2015 December 29, 2014 7:00 PM   |  

Investors should consider four key questions for a year-end portfolio view, including portfolio rebalancing and retirement contributions.

2 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy
Thinking Outside the Cash Box: Take Advantage of Rising Rates April 13, 2014 9:48 AM   |  

Cash alone won’t cut it as a lingering low-rate environment challenges income investing.

7 min read  |  Portfolio Strategy

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