News

November 13th, 2011 – State Tuition Program Contribution

We want to start saving for our child’s college and have heard of a tuition plan with tax benefits.  Can you help explain how it works?

You are probably referring to qualified tuition programs, also known as 529 plans (for the Internal Revenue Code section that provides for them), which allow prepayment of higher education costs on a tax-favored basis. There are two types of programs Continue reading…

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Homelessness Prevention Sleep Out

S&B had two shareholders (Steve Collins & Denise Juliana) and four staff (Kara, Cindy, Cassandra, & Lisa) sleep out in the S&B parking lot to raise approximately $1,000.  The money raised was donated to the Homelessness Prevention Initiative which provides emergency rental assistance to low-income families and disabled adults in the Fort Collins area facing eviction due to a temporary financial crisis.

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October 23rd, 2011 – Charitable Contributions from IRAs

I am 72 years old.  I heard about the opportunity to make tax-free charitable contributions from my IRA.  Can you explain?

This year may well be the last chance for taxpayers age 70- 1/2 or older to take advantage of an up-to-$100,000 annual exclusion from gross income for otherwise taxable individual retirement account (IRA) distributions that are qualified charitable distributions. Such distributions aren’t Continue reading…

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October 2, 2011 – Car Donation to Charity

I’m looking into buying a new car and was wondering if it would be worth it to donate my old one to charity?

Rather than go through the hassle of selling an old car, you may get a tax deduction for donating the vehicle to a charity. An increasing number of charities have turned to car-donation programs. You may have seen ads from some of these organizations Continue reading…

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Walk to Defeat ALS

A large energetic S&B group joined many others from the Fort Collins community to walk 1.8 miles which raised a total of over $60,000 for the ALS Association. The ALS Association relentlessly pursues its mission to help people living with ALS and to leave no stone unturned in search for a cure.

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Iverson Bowling Fundraiser

Approximately 20+ S&B staff gathered in a bowling fundraiser to raise approximately $1,200 in “college funds” for the son of their co-worker who succumbed to Melanoma Carcinoma Sarcoma two years ago.

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September 11th, 2011 – Married Filing Jointly vs. Married Filing Separate

I’ve recently married, and we were wondering if there would be any advantage to filing our tax returns separately rather than jointly?

In general, your decision will depend upon which filing status results in the lowest tax. In most cases, filing jointly offers the most tax savings, particularly where the spouses have different Continue reading…

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SuperStars Sports Challenge

S&B sponsored a team to compete in the SSSC, and the event raised approximately $45,000.  The SSSC is a unique sporting event aimed at raising awareness and funds for Partners Mentoring Youth.  It was a great opportunity to bond in a fun and competitive environment.

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August 7th, 2011 – Summary of Recent Tax Developments

I heard that the IRS mileage allowance changed for 2011.  What is the new amount?

Standard mileage rates increase for last half of 2011. The IRS has announced that the optional mileage allowance for owned or leased autos (including vans, pickups or panel trucks) is increased 4.5¢ from 51¢ to Continue reading…

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July 17th, 2011 – Taxability of Disability Income

I was injured on the job and am now receiving disability payments.  How is this income taxed?

The key question is: Who paid for the benefit? If the income is paid directly to you by your employer, it is taxable to you just as your ordinary salary would be. (Taxable benefits are also subject to federal income tax withholding, although, depending on the employer’s disability plan, in some cases Continue reading…

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