Our Latest
Articles
What Documentation Is Required for a QCD? Paperwork and Reporting Rules
The documentation required for a QCD is a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the charity plus the correct entries on your own Form 1040. Key TakeawaysA […]
What Is a QDRO? How a Qualified Domestic Relations Order Splits a 401(k) or Pension in Divorce
A QDRO (qualified domestic relations order) is the court order that legally divides an employer retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or pension, between divorcing […]
How to Set Up a 401(k) Plan for Your Small Business: The 2026 Employer Guide
Setting up a 401(k) plan starts with choosing a plan type, adopting a written plan document, and naming a trustee, and small employers may now […]
Donating Retirement Assets to Charity: A 2026 Guide to the Most Tax Smart Ways to Give
Donating retirement assets is often the single most tax efficient way to give, because pre tax IRA and 401(k) dollars carry an embedded income tax […]
Does MAGI Include 401(k) Contributions? Pre-Tax vs Roth
MAGI does not include your pre-tax 401(k) contributions, and that single fact quietly moves several tax cliffs. Key Takeaways Pre-tax (traditional) 401(k) deferrals are excluded […]
Do You Need to Report a 401(k) on Your Taxes? A Scenario Guide
Reporting a 401(k) on your taxes depends entirely on what happened during the year, not on simply owning the account. Key Takeaways Regular pre-tax 401(k) […]
Do Employers Match a Roth 401(k)? How the Match Works and Where It Lands
Employers do match Roth 401(k) contributions, and the match has historically landed in the pre-tax side of the account. Key Takeaways Yes, employers match Roth […]
Can You Pay Off a 401(k) Loan Early? Rules, Methods, and When It Makes Sense
Paying off a 401(k) loan early is allowed by nearly every plan, and the federal rules attach no prepayment penalty to doing it. Key Takeaways […]
Are Tax Brackets Based on AGI? What Actually Fills the Brackets
Tax brackets are not based on AGI. Federal brackets apply to taxable income, which is your AGI minus the standard or itemized deduction. Key Takeaways […]
Are Retirement Accounts Considered Liquid Assets? What the Rules Actually Say
Retirement accounts are semi-liquid at best, because the money is accessible on paper but taxes and a 10% early-withdrawal penalty before age 59.5 keep it […]