Taxes & Tax Planning

Alright, let's talk about something that hits close to home for so many families: inheritance. You work your entire life, building something to leave behind for your kids, your grandkids, maybe a cause you care about. It's deeply personal. Then comes the worry, that quiet dread, about taxes potentially...

That official envelope arrives. Inside, Form 1099-S, Proceeds From Real Estate Transactions. It relates to the family home or piece of land you inherited and recently sold. Then you see the number in Box 2: Gross Proceeds. It’s large. Maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars. Instantly, your stomach might drop....

Did you know your state could take a bigger bite out of your investment profits than Uncle Sam? State capital gains taxes can significantly impact your bottom line, and the rules vary widely. Many investors are unaware of the complexities of state capital gains taxes, leading to unexpected tax...

"Michael, I just sold my company stock to fund a down payment… my accountant says I owe a fortune in taxes. How is that possible?" This was the panicked call I got from a client, Marcus a few years ago. He sold about $100,000 in stock he’d held for years...

As a financial planner for nearly 30 years, I've helped hundreds of families navigate one of the biggest financial events of their lives: selling their home. The moment the "Sold" sign goes up, the joy is often followed by a wave of anxiety about one thing: taxes. The biggest misconception?...

California has one of the highest combined capital gains tax rates in the country, and it can seriously impact your investment decisions and financial planning. California's capital gains tax system is one of the most aggressive in the U.S., with CA capital gains rates reaching 13.3% for high earners. And worse, no...

Did you know that inheriting property could potentially cost you thousands in taxes? While receiving valuable assets is exciting, the looming specter of capital gains tax can turn your windfall into a financial headache. But fear not – with the right strategies, you too can learn how to avoid...

After 30 years in financial planning, I've watched 1031 exchanges transform real estate portfolios—and I've also seen high-income earners blindsided by a hidden tax cost most advisors don't mention. You can defer 100% of your capital gains tax through a 1031 exchange, but if you're over $194,500 (single) or...

As a financial advisor for almost 30 years, I’ve had countless clients. Executives from New Jersey, entrepreneurs from California... all move to Florida with the same belief: it's a tax-free paradise. They hear "no income tax" and assume that means every sale is clear of state tax, but they...

For nearly three decades, I’ve had clients walk into my office with a gleam in their eye, uttering the six most dangerous words in financial planning: "I'm moving to a no-income-tax state." Last year, a new client, Robert, did just that. He sold his New York business and bought...