Tax News & Insights from Tax Centers of Georgia
Retirement 401(k) and IRA Contribution Limits for 2026
According to the IRS (Notice 2025-67, released November 13, 2025), the 401(k) contribution limit will rise to $24,500 for 2026, up $1,000 from 2025, while the IRA contribution limit increases to $7,500 plus a $1,100 catch-up for savers age 50 and...
7 Smart Money Moves to Make before Year-End
The final weeks of the year are more than just holiday prep and family gatherings. They’re also your last chance to make financial moves before year-end that could boost your retirement savings, lower your tax bill, and set you up for a stronger 2026. Whether...
Why The 2026 Social Security COLA Increase Won’t Be Enough
If you’re hoping the 2026 Social Security COLA will help ease the pressure of rising costs, don’t get your hopes up. The 2026 increase is only 2.8%.¹ With inflation, Medicare premiums, and everyday expenses climbing faster, it won’t go far. In this post,...
IRS Finalizes Rules on 401(k) Catch-Up Contributions
If you’re 50 or older and planning to make catch-up contributions to your 401(k), big changes are on the way – especially if you’re a higher-income earner. The IRS recently issued final regulations under the SECURE 2.0 Act, and they clarify exactly how these...
Alternative Assets in 401(k)s: Big Changes Ahead?
As retirement plan rules continue to evolve, one area drawing attention is the inclusion of alternative assets in 401(k) plans. In early August 2025, the White House released an executive order that has pushed this issue further into the spotlight. The order...
Should I Rebalance My 401(k) Mid-Year?
Mid-year is a common time for people to reassess their finances – including their 401(k) strategy. From market changes to personal life events, the second half of the year often brings new information that could affect how investment allocations align with your goals...
The 401(k) Vesting Schedule: Why You Should Care
Depending on your 401(k) vesting schedule, it may take you up to 6 years to fully own your matching contributions. Unfortunately, the 401(k) vesting schedule isn’t always clear to everyone. In a recent Vanguard survey, “The firm found that only a third (33%) of...
7 Strategies to Maximize 401(k) Savings in 2025
Whether you are planning to retire in 2 years or 20, you should be looking for ways to maximize 401(k) savings. Many Americans do not have nearly enough to retire, according to recent reports. According to the Retirement Income Institute and Alliance for Lifetime...
15 Ways to Save Money on Extracurricular Activities
As the school year creeps closer, most parents are laser-focused on notebooks, backpacks, and new shoes. But there’s another major expense waiting just around the corner – and it’s one that often flies under the radar until it’s too late: Extracurricular...
Gen X Is Retiring Soon. Are They Ready?
Gen X is retiring soon. Are they ready? The outlook isn’t great. Gen X is the first generation to rely primarily on their own individual savings through 401(k)-like plans for retirement. They were tossed into DIY retirement planning with little support. As...
Tax Doctor
- Non-qualified Accounts As Tax Planning Tools?When people save for retirement they almost automatically use accounts that avoid tax now. IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, 457s, all pretax retirement savings plans. Certainly, long term savings uninterrupted by withdrawals and the effect of compounding interest on interest earned is unarguably valuable, but doing that in pretax accounts is NOT the only way to have […]
- Happy Thanksgiving!From our family to yours, have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
- Charitable Planning for Younger Clients ~ with a TwistOften people will have one-time “Income Events” that greatly increase the income tax due in that year. Finding ways to mitigate that additional tax, especially for younger people, can be challenging. In some cases, setting up a Charitable Lead Trust (CLT) in order to receive an upfront income tax deduction might be viable option. A […]