Tax Planning

Articles and resources related to Tax Planning.

New Laws Impact Estate Plans

Dan Edwards, CPA
Director of Estate Planning
Published November 5, 2019

Estate tax laws continually change, making it important to review your estate plan periodically. Working alongside a Carlson Capital Management tax professional will help you understand how the new laws will impact your estate and its beneficiaries, as well as your financial position today. Federal Level: Higher Exemptions and PortabilityConsider the new, higher lifetime estate exemptions: Only individuals with taxable estates greater than $11,400,000 and estates of married couples greater ... [Continue Reading]

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

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, 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, 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, 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]