Roth IRAs: Is Now the Ideal Time to Consider a Conversion?

Kevin Koski
Kevin Koski, CPA
Principal Tax Advisor
Published November 1, 2019

Carlson Capital Management works with many clients each year to implement a Roth IRA conversion strategy in which a portion of their tax deferred accounts (i.e. 401(k), IRA) are converted to a Roth IRA. Generally speaking, the long-term benefits of a conversion strategy are measured by comparing the amount of taxes paid today upon conversion versus the taxes avoided in the future on all of the investment earnings and growth accruing after the conversion. Many will avoid paying the taxes today on ... [Continue Reading]

Should I Contribute to a Roth 401(k) Instead of the Traditional 401(k)?

Kevin Koski
Kevin Koski, CPA
Principal Tax Advisor
Published July 17, 2019

With many employer-based retirement plans (i.e. 401(k) or 403(b) plans) now offering a choice between making contributions into a Roth or a Traditional option, a conversation we frequently have with clients centers on the difference between contributing to one versus the other. As with most financial and tax planning questions, the answer depends a great deal on your personal situation, but there are several factors that are generally the most important to consider in deciding if a Roth is a ... [Continue Reading]

What You Should Know About The Secure Act of 2019

Kevin Koski
Kevin Koski, CPA
Principal Tax Advisor
Published June 5, 2019

What some are referring to as one of the most significant pieces of legislation related to retirement planning in more than a decade, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed what has been coined the SECURE (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) Act, by an overwhelming and bi-partisan vote of 417-3. The bill will now move to the U.S. Senate where it also appears to have bi-partisan support. As the bill is very likely to become law in the coming weeks or months, ... [Continue Reading]

Minnesota Individual Income Tax Changes Represent Federal Conformity

Kevin Koski
Kevin Koski, CPA
Principal Tax Advisor
Published June 5, 2019

As a result of the Omnibus Tax Bill which was passed during Minnesota's recent legislative special session, then signed by Governor Walz on Friday, May 31, 2019, Minnesota individual income tax law will now largely conform to federal tax law. Our Tax Team will be actively analyzing the changes and will be working with CCM clients in the remainder of 2019 to help optimize your tax situation. In the meantime, following is a summary of the key takeaways from the 2019 Omnibus Tax Bill to be aware ... [Continue Reading]

An Update from the Tax Team: Is Mortgage Interest Still Deductible?

Kevin Koski
Kevin Koski, CPA
Principal Tax Advisor
Published April 16, 2019

Among many other changes we’ve highlighted in recent communications, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 changed the rules regarding home mortgage interest tax deductions for tax years 2018-2025. Many CCM clients have had questions about this so we wanted to share some key factors that will determine the deductibility of interest paid on a mortgage loan.  The mortgage must qualify as acquisition debt in order for the interest to be deductible as home mortgage interest. Acquisition debt is ... [Continue Reading]