Category Archives: Investments

Not Qualified Distribution

Today TaxMama hears from Harry in Pennsylvania, who tells us, “I withdrew money from an IRA which used to be an employer annuity, but became an IRA when I left them. I am over 55 and separated from service. Does exception 2, separation from service, apply to distributions from an IRA? Since I am under […]

Family Death During Year

Today TaxMama hears from Fran in the Tax Parlor, who tells us. “My mother died in 2006 and received Social Security monthly, getting about $700 per month. In addition, she had investments totaling about $60,000 that paid less than $5,000. Do I need to file a return? If so, what info and forms do I […]

Double Retirement Contributions

Today TaxMama hears from Alejandro, in the Tax Parlor, who tells us. “I have a regular 9 to 5 job and also have my own business. I want to know if I can both contribute to a regular 401(k)plan and also invest in a 401(k) plan? I would therefore be exceeding the $44K per year […]

Excess Roth Contribution

Today TaxMama hears from TC a MarketWatch reader, who says “It turns out my income has been to high for me to use a Roth IRA contribution for years. But my tax pro didn’t catch this error – and now I am over-contributed for several years and will face a 6% penalty for each year […]

Lottery Win

Today TaxMama hears from Brain, in the Tax Parlor, who tells us. “Recently I won $4,000 in a state lottery. I spent about $500 for the purchase of a batch of lottery tickets all at once. I was wondering if I could subtract the cost from the proceeds I won?” Dear Brain, I’ll bet that’s […]

Stock Sale Date

Today TaxMama hears from Stephen, a MarketWatch reader, who has this question. “I sold some stocks on 12-27-06. The settlement date was 1-2-07. The stock brokerage company sent me a Form 1099 without this sale because the settlement date was after 2006. Can I report this sale in my 2006 tax return? Will the IRS […]

Large Loss

Today TaxMama hears from Clay in California, who tells us. “I invested in a company that failed. Where is that handled on the 1040 form? I have had other failures and I was only allowed to deduct $3,000 per year. I have a substantial capital gain this year on a sale of properties.” Hi Clay […]

Hiring Kids

Today TaxMama hears from Deanna in the Tax Parlor, who says “My husband and I are about to elect S-corp status in an LLC. We currently pay our kids wages in the LLC, but are wondering if there is any real benefit to continuing this in the S-corp?” Hi Deanna, The benefits for hiring your […]

Land Interest

Today TaxMama hears from Phillip in the Tax Parlor who wants to know, ” My wife and I purchased land with the intent to build on it. We have been paying on an interest-only land loan for over a year. Can I deduct this interest for 2006? We have a home already in which we […]