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Gifting Your Estate: Estate and Gift Tax Strategies - Featuring: Anthony Trinchini, Senior Tax Associate

Financial security isn't just about what you build—it's about how effectively you pass it on. When senior tax advisor Anthony Trinchini joins the Knowing What Counts podcast, he cuts through the complexity of estate planning to reveal strategies that protect wealth while minimizing tax exposure.

The conversation begins with the essential mechanics of gift and estate taxes. Anthony explains how the annual exclusion ($19,000 per recipient in 2025) works alongside the lifetime exemption (nearly $14 million per person). The key insight? Gifting appreciating assets early freezes their value for tax purposes while shifting all future growth outside your estate—a powerful wealth preservation technique too many people discover too late.

Trusts emerge as versatile tools with distinct advantages. Revocable trusts don't reduce estate taxes but help avoid probate. Irrevocable trusts remove assets from your estate entirely. Grantor trusts allow you to cover the income taxes, essentially making additional tax-free gifts. The discussion explores specialized options like QPRTs (Qualified Personal Residence Trusts) for transferring homes at discounted values, GRATs (Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts) for capturing excess growth of appreciating assets, and SLATs (Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts) that allow married couples to reduce estate taxes without surrendering complete access to assets.

Beyond trusts, Anthony highlights two additional powerful strategies: 529 education plans with their front-loading capability ($95,000 individual/$190,000 couple tax-free gifting in a single year) and family LLCs that enable valuation discounts of 20-40% when gifting business interests. His most emphatic advice? Start early with coordinated planning between your CPA and estate attorney. Estate planning isn't one-size-fits-all—it should align with your family's unique goals and values.

Ready to protect your legacy and minimize tax burdens? Connect with the expert team at MPCPAs today by visiting mpgroupcpa.com or calling 413-739-1800. Remember, success begins with knowing what counts.

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Big, Beautiful Breakdown: Big Beautiful Bill Tax Takeaways – Joe Oliveira Tax Director

The tax landscape is shifting dramatically with the signing of the "Big, Beautiful Bill" this July 4th, and understanding these changes now could save you thousands in the coming years. Join tax expert Joe Oliveira as he cuts through the headlines and misconceptions to reveal what this legislation actually means for your wallet.

Much has been made about "no tax on tips" and "no tax on overtime," but Joe explains the reality: starting in 2025, service workers can deduct up to $25,000 in tip income, while overtime workers can claim deductions up to $12,500 (single) or $25,000 (joint). These above-the-line deductions don't require itemizing and help lower your AGI, potentially unlocking other tax benefits.

The conversation explores the dramatic increase in the SALT cap from $10,000 to $40,000, empowering taxpayers in high-tax states to deduct significantly more of their state income and property taxes. Families will benefit from an enhanced Child Tax Credit ($2,200 in 2025), while all taxpayers can look forward to a new charitable giving deduction available without itemizing. There's even a surprising new deduction for auto loan interest up to $10,000 annually, though Joe cautions this comes with specific requirements, including U.S. assembly of the vehicle.

Business owners have reason to celebrate with the Section 179 deduction increasing to $2.5 million, the return of 100% bonus depreciation, and the restoration of immediate R&D expense deductions. Investors receive particularly favorable treatment for Qualified Small Business Stock, with potential 100% tax-free gains for holdings of five years or more.

With green energy credits expiring after 2025 and electric vehicle incentives ending this September, now is the time for strategic tax planning. Contact Joe and the MP CPAs team at 413-739-1800 to develop your personalized strategy that transforms these tax changes into lasting financial advantages. Remember – in the world of taxes, being proactive beats being reactive every time.

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Taxing the Extras: Fringe Benefits and Their Tax Consequences – Sam Moriarty Tax Senior Associate

The complex world of fringe benefits sits at the intersection of employee satisfaction and tax compliance—a space where both employers and employees need expert guidance to navigate successfully. Tax Senior Associate Sam Moriarty pulls back the curtain on these valuable workplace perks that extend beyond basic salary.

Sam brings 23 years of expertise to this discussion, explaining how benefits like health insurance, paid time off, 401k matching, and company facilities must be properly reported to avoid costly penalties. For employees, these perks create a sense of value and address essential needs, allowing them to focus on performance without external worries. For employers, a thoughtful benefits package becomes a powerful tool for attracting talent, boosting morale, and reducing turnover in competitive markets.

The tax implications can be significant and sometimes surprising. S corporation shareholders must treat health insurance as taxable income on their W-2s, while company vehicles for personal use require proper reporting as well. Improper handling of these requirements can trigger underpayment penalties with accumulating interest for employers, while employees might face the headache of amended tax returns and unexpected liabilities. As the workplace evolves, so do fringe benefits—with flexible schedules, remote work options, daycare reimbursement, pet-friendly policies, and on-site facilities becoming increasingly common. Before implementing any benefit program, Sam strongly recommends consulting with an attorney experienced in employment law to navigate the complex regulatory landscape.

Call 413-739-1800 to connect with our team and ensure your benefit strategy enhances employee satisfaction while maintaining full tax compliance.

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Giving Smarter: Innovative Paths to Charitable Giving – Jason Warner Tax Senior Associate

Charitable giving transcends simple generosity when approached strategically. In this enlightening conversation with tax senior associate Jason Warner, we uncover powerful charitable vehicles that can transform your giving impact while optimizing tax benefits.

Many donors default to writing checks to their favorite organizations without realizing there are more sophisticated options available. Jason walks us through four key charitable strategies that high-net-worth individuals and business owners should consider. Donor-advised funds offer flexibility and immediate tax deductions while allowing contributions to grow tax-free before distribution. Charitable remainder trusts provide income streams to donors while ultimately benefiting chosen charities. Charitable lead trusts work in reverse, benefiting charities first before transferring remaining assets to heirs—an excellent tool for multi-generational wealth planning.

For those over 70½, Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs present a straightforward yet powerful giving approach, allowing up to $108,000 in annual charitable gifts while satisfying Required Minimum Distributions without increasing taxable income. Jason highlights the significant advantage of donating appreciated assets rather than cash—the most common mistake donors make—which provides a double tax benefit through full-value deductions and avoiding capital gains tax.

Whether you're a high-net-worth individual looking to maximize philanthropic impact or a business owner seeking to integrate charitable giving into your tax strategy, this episode delivers practical insights for strategic philanthropy. Remember, success begins with knowing what counts. Ready to optimize your charitable giving strategy? Call 413-739-1800 to connect with our expert team today.

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Entity Essentials: Choosing the Right Structure for Your Business

Selecting the right business entity structure might be the most consequential decision you'll make as an entrepreneur. Tax implications, liability protection, paperwork requirements, and future growth potential all hinge on this critical choice.

In this comprehensive guide, MP CPAs Tax Senior Associate Katelyn Henderson walks us through the maze of business entity options with clarity and expertise. We begin by exploring essential first steps for any new business venture, from crafting a solid business plan to securing financing and navigating registration requirements. Then we dive deep into the five main legal structures available to business owners—sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, S-corporations, and C-corporations—examining their distinct advantages and potential drawbacks.

For sole proprietors, simplicity and complete control come with unlimited personal liability risk. Partnerships offer increased capital potential but similar liability exposure. LLCs provide that crucial liability shield with flexible distribution options, while S-corporations eliminate self-employment tax but require reasonable compensation through W-2 wages. C-corporations maximize protection and capital-raising potential but face the most regulatory hurdles.

Whether you're launching a new venture or reconsidering your current business structure, this episode provides the knowledge framework you need to make informed decisions that align with both your immediate needs and long-term vision. Connect with our team of experts at MP CPAs to develop a customized strategy for your business's success.

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Global Compliance: Tackling Foreign Tax Filings

The hidden complexities of foreign tax compliance often catch even savvy taxpayers by surprise. Tax Supervisor Alex Leslie of MP CPAs draws from a decade of experience to illuminate the maze of international tax reporting requirements that affect Americans with global financial interests.

Most US taxpayers don't realize they're subject to taxation on worldwide income regardless of where it's earned. When foreign accounts or investments enter the picture, multiple disclosure forms become mandatory - not optional. The podcast breaks down critical filing requirements including the Foreign Bank Account Report (FBAR) for accounts exceeding $10,000, Form 8938 for specified foreign financial assets, Form 8865 for foreign partnership interests, and Form 8621 for investments in Passive Foreign Investment Companies (PFICs).

What makes these requirements particularly challenging is their low thresholds and the severe penalties for non-compliance - potentially tens of thousands of dollars per violation. Even more concerning, many taxpayers unknowingly hold reportable foreign investments through domestic partnerships or investment funds without realizing the disclosure obligations that flow through to them personally. The discussion provides clear guidance on identifying these hidden requirements by carefully reviewing investment documents and working proactively with knowledgeable tax professionals.

Whether you're maintaining accounts abroad, investing internationally, or simply concerned about potential foreign reporting obligations, this episode delivers essential insights for protecting your financial future. Don't wait for the IRS to discover overseas assets - take control of your global tax compliance today by understanding these critical reporting requirements.

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What Is 1202 Stock?

Millions of dollars in potential tax savings are hiding in plain sight for many business owners. Section 1202 stock, also known as Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), represents one of the most powerful yet underutilized tax strategies available to entrepreneurs planning their exit.

Tax expert Phil Giguere breaks down this remarkable provision that allows eligible business owners to exclude up to 100% of capital gains when selling qualified small business stock. The numbers are staggering - on a $10 million business sale, QSBS status could save over $2 million in federal capital gains taxes alone, plus avoiding the additional 3.8% Net Investment Income Tax. When state tax benefits are factored in, the combined savings can approach or exceed $3.3 million.

Whether you're launching a new venture, considering converting an LLC to a C-Corporation, or mapping out your eventual exit strategy, this episode provides critical insights into potentially saving millions through proper tax planning.

To learn more about MP CPAs visit:
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Donor Advised Funds: The Basics and More

Charitable giving becomes truly powerful when strategy meets generosity. Tax Director Lisa Behan from MP CPAs joins us to unpack the often-overlooked financial tool that's changing how smart philanthropists approach their giving: Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).

The conversation dives deep into strategic approaches that can dramatically increase the power of your giving. Lisa shares brilliant tactics like "bunching" multiple years of charitable contributions into high-income years, contributing appreciated assets to avoid capital gains tax, and navigating the post-2018 tax landscape where standard deductions have changed the game for many givers. Whether you're facing a windfall year from a business sale or simply want your regular charitable giving to have a greater impact, these strategies could save you thousands while increasing what reaches your favorite causes.

Ready to transform your giving from reactive checkbook charity to strategic philanthropy? This episode provides the roadmap you've been looking for.

To learn more about MP CPAs visit:
https://thempgroupcpa.com/
MP CPAs
413-739-1800