Legal Settlement? Don’t Overlook the Tax Consequences

If you’ve recently received a legal settlement or award, it’s critical to understand the tax implications. Generally, compensation for physical injuries or sickness is tax-free. But awards for lost wages, emotional distress and punitive damages typically are taxable. Attorneys’ fees are another area that can trip up recipients. Even if your lawyer is paid directly […]

Read More Legal Settlement? Don’t Overlook the Tax Consequences

IRS Flags Certain CRAT Strategies as Listed Transactions

The IRS has issued final regulations identifying certain charitable remainder annuity trust (CRAT) arrangements as “listed transactions” — potential tax-avoidance schemes that carry heightened reporting requirements. The regs target improper use of a CRAT to sell appreciated property and purchase a single premium immediate annuity (SPIA) with the net proceeds to avoid recognizing ordinary income […]

Read More IRS Flags Certain CRAT Strategies as Listed Transactions