- Owner-Only Businesses Should Consider a Solo 401(k) Plan
- It goes by many names: Solo 401(k), Mini 401(k), and single-participant 401(k). We will use Solo 401(k) in this article to describe probably the best type of pension plan for owner-only businesses. It provides for larger contributions, including a Roth option for a portion of the contribution, and the ability to borrow funds from the plan at reasonable rates. Consequently, Solo 401(k) plans have become more attractive options than SEP-IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, or profit-sharing or money purchase plans. In addition, if the plan permits-and most do-assets from other retirement plans can be rolled over into the Solo 401(k) plan.
- Premium Assistance Credit - The Health Insurance Subsidy For Lower Income Individuals and Families
- Beginning in 2014, as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Acts, all U.S. persons, with certain exceptions, must have minimal essential health care coverage or face a tax penalty.
- Give Withholding and Payments a Check-up to Avoid a Tax Surprise
- 2013 will hold some unpleasant tax surprises for many taxpayers simply because of the increased long-term capital gains tax rates, the ordinary income tax rates, and the imposition of two new taxes as part of the Affordable Care Act, including a new 3.8% surtax on net investment income and an additional 0.9% payroll and self-employed health insurance tax.
- Affordable Care Act Employer Letter Requirement
- Beginning Oct. 1, any business with at least one employee and $500,000 in annual revenue must notify all employees by letter about the Affordable Care Act’s health care exchanges. The requirement applies to any business regulated under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), regardless of size. Going forward, letters are to be distributed to any new hires within 14 days of their starting date, according to the Department of Labor.
- Preparing for the New Surtax
- As part of the Affordable Care Act (the new health care legislation), a new tax kicks in this year. The official name of this tax is the Unearned Income Medicare Contribution Tax, and even though the name implies it is a contribution, don’t get the idea that it is voluntary or that you can deduct it as a charitable contribution. It is actually a surtax levied on the net investment income of taxpayers in the higher income brackets. And although it is perceived as an additional tax on higher-income taxpayers, it can affect even those who normally don’t have higher income if they have a large income from the sale of real estate, stocks, or other investments.
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