Tax Strategy

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.

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

If you’re going to be 65 at the start of 2021, you’ll be able to file your taxes with Form 1040-SR. Here are some reasons this form might be a good choice for you.

Before the year ends, it’s a good idea to set aside some time to review tax-planning strategies. Some of them could help reduce your tax burden or even give you a larger refund in 2021.

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

Hoping to access your 401(k) early? With the rule of 55, you might be able to take early withdrawals from your 401(k). But the rule is narrowly defined and specific. Here’s what you need to know.

Considering the many disruptions and complexities of everyday life in 2020, charitable donations and tax strategy might not be top of mind. But some charities need help now more than ever. And recent legislation has changed some of the rules.

Wash sale tax rules have been around since the 1920s, but in recent years, brokers began reporting wash-sale adjustments as part of covered cost basis reporting. The TD Ameritrade tax team breaks it down.

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.

With the 401(k) match at some companies disappearing in the wake of COVID-19, is it time to look into other types of retirement accounts?

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.

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

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.

If you think you’re going to get a tax refund, consider how you can put that extra cash to good use. Here are five ideas.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Avoid stiff RMD penalties: You may begin withdrawing funds from your IRA and 401(k) accounts at age 59 1/2, but when you turn 70 1/2, it's required.

Understand Roth IRA withdrawal rules and how to avoid penalties.

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

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.

If you have a retirement account, you might be eligible for a 401(k) tax deduction. Here's what you should know about contribution limits, employer contributions, and tax-deferred contributions.

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.

Can I contribute to a 401(k) and a traditional or Roth IRA? Many people have more than one retirement account. Maximize your retirement savings by understanding how you can contribute to multiple tax-advantaged retirement accounts.

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

Interested in contributing to a Roth IRA? The limits have increased for 2019. Here’s what you need to know about Roth IRA limits.

Tax credits can help reduce your tax burden and let you keep more of your money.

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.

Most investors are familiar with capital gains, but what about the other side of the coin—capital losses? Here’s what investors should know about long- and short-term capital gains and losses, potential tax consequences, and wash sales.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Learn about the available choices on what to do with a 401(k) held at with a former employer.

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

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

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

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

The SIMPLE IRA can be an inexpensive retirement savings tool that employers may choose for their workers and themselves as well.

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

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

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.

What are separately managed accounts (SMAs), and how do they work for investors?

False myths about simplified employee pensions may be keeping you from considering them. Here's why business owners should consider SEPs for employees.

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

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

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.

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.

Today’s workers are expected to change jobs a number of times. Understand the implications of cashing out your 401k and get informed about the alternatives av

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Estate planning can be uncomfortable, yes. But why not keep some control over your investments from beyond the grave?

Options strategy known as LEAPS creates mini “portfolios” within a portfolio, with potential tax benefits.