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☆ Fat Brands and chair Andy Wiederhorn indicted in $47 million 'sham' loan scheme
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Federal authorities on Friday charged Fat Brands and its chair Andy Wiederhorn of committing a brazen scheme that netted him $47 million in bogus loans from the restaurant company that owns Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and Twin Peaks. Fat Brands, Wiederhorn and a few other people were criminally indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles for wire fraud, tax evasion and other counts related to the alleged scheme. "These charges are unprecedented, unwarranted, unsubstantiated and unjust," Fat Brands counsel Brian Hennigan said in a statement. As chief executive of Fat Brands, Wiederhorn, 58, allegedly directed the company to loan its own funds to him, with no intention of ever paying the "sham" loans back, according to the indictment. He also did not report any of the so-called loans from Fat Brands as income, according to the indictment.

Persons: Andy Wiederhorn, Johnny, Brian Hennigan, Wiederhorn, overreach —, Nicola Hanna, Wiederhorn's, Thayer, Ron Roe, Rebecca Hershinger, William Amon Organizations: Brands, Johnny Rockets, U.S . Securities, Exchange Commission, Fat Brands, SEC, Fog, Wiederhorn Locations: Los Angeles, Oregon, U.S

☆ Biden plans for higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy and corporations to extend middle-class tax breaks
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Director of the National Economic Council Lael Brainard speaks at the White House in Washington, D.C., on January 11, 2024. President Joe Biden's top economic advisor on Friday laid out plans for the country's looming debate over trillions in expiring tax breaks enacted by former President Donald Trump. Several provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, or TCJA, of 2017 will expire after 2025 without any changes from Congress. Those include lower federal income tax brackets, a higher standard deduction and doubled estate and gift tax exemption, among others. The Republicans' signature tax package also permanently reduced corporate taxes by dropping the top federal rate from 35% to 21%.

Persons: Lael Brainard, Joe Biden's, Donald Trump Organizations: National Economic, White, Washington , D.C, Republicans, Finance, Hamilton, Brookings Institution Locations: Washington ,

☆ IRS reminder: Time to claim $1 billion in tax refunds from 2020 expires on May 17
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

There is $1 billion in unclaimed 2020 tax refunds up for grabs — but the last chance to file returns and collect the money is approaching. Nearly 940,000 taxpayers have until May 17 to file 2020 returns and claim their refund, the IRS said in a "final reminder" this week. The deadline is "terribly important" because there's a three-year refund expiration after each tax deadline, said certified public accountant John Karls, partner at accounting firm Armanino. "If you let if you let it slip, there's nothing anybody can do," said Bill Smith, national director of tax technical services at financial services firm CBIZ MHM. "You won't get your refund when the statute of limitations has run out."

Persons: —, John Karls, Roth, Bill Smith, CBIZ Organizations: Finance

☆ IRS boosts health savings account contribution limits for 2025
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The IRS has unveiled the 2025 contribution limits for health savings accounts, which are triple-tax advantaged for medical expenses. The new HSA contribution limit for 2025 will be $4,300 for self-only health coverage, up from $4,150 in 2024, based on inflation adjustments, the IRS announced Thursday. The contribution limit will also increase for savers with family coverage. The IRS will release the 2025 catch-up contribution for savers age 55 and older later this year. The IRS defines "high-deductible" as at least $1,650 for self-only plans or $3,300 for family coverage for 2025.

Persons: Roth, HSAs Organizations: IRS, Finance, of America Locations: HSAs

☆ This is the 'sweet spot' for Roth individual retirement account conversions, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you're weighing a Roth individual retirement account conversion, you could save on taxes by leveraging a limited window of time, experts say. Roth conversions transfer pretax or nondeductible IRA money to a Roth IRA, which kickstarts future tax-free growth. After you stop working, but before you start required withdrawals from retirement accounts, is "the sweet spot" for Roth conversions, according to JoAnn May, a Berwyn, Illinois-based certified financial planner at Forest Asset Management. Plus, many investors want to leverage lower income tax brackets through 2025 before provisions could sunset from former President Donald Trump's signature tax overhaul, she said. After a Roth conversion, you'll owe regular income taxes on the converted amount.

Persons: Roth, JoAnn May, IRAs —, Donald Trump's, you'll Organizations: Roth IRA, Asset Management, Finance Locations: Berwyn , Illinois

☆ Here's how to avoid getting 'hammered' on inherited individual retirement account taxes, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-06 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Inherited individual retirement accounts can be a financial boost for heirs, but the windfall can trigger tax issues, experts say. Withdrawals from pretax inherited IRAs incur regular income taxes. Since 2020, certain heirs can no longer "stretch" retirement account distributions over their lifetime to reduce yearly taxes. Now, certain heirs, including most adult children, must deplete inherited accounts within 10 years, known as the "10-year rule." While only about 20% of May's clients have inherited IRAs, she expects more heirs to face the tax-planning issue as baby boomers age.

Persons: IRAs, Ed Slott, Roth, Slott, JoAnn May Organizations: Finance, IRS, Asset Management Locations: Berwyn , Illinois

☆ This 401(k) match change could have 'unintended consequences' at tax time, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you've opted into your employer's Roth 401(k) after-tax matching contributions this year, it could trigger a tax surprise without proper planning, experts say. Enacted in 2022, Secure 2.0 ushered in sweeping changes for retirement savers, including the option for employers to offer 401(k) matches in Roth accounts. Previously Roth 401(k) matches went into pretax accounts. However, those new matching Roth contributions could have "unintended consequences" at tax time, according to Tommy Lucas, a certified financial planner and enrolled agent at Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo in Orlando, Florida. More from Personal Finance:IRS aims to more than double its audit rate on wealthiest taxpayersHere are three ways to lower your credit card annual percentage rate, experts sayWhy your financial advisor may not give you the best Social Security advice

Persons: you've, Roth, Tommy Lucas, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo Organizations: of America, Finance Locations: Orlando , Florida

☆ Top 10 most livable small to midsize cities where the median home price is $500,000 or less
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Livability, a media and marketing company that ranks places based on how livable they are, released its annual list of the 100 most livable small to midsize cities in the US this week. AdvertisementThe list is limited to cities with populations under 500,000 people that also have median home values under $500,000. Livability's list of 100 cities is not ranked in order, as you are able to filter and rank the list based on your top priorities. All one 100 cities can also be viewed on a US map, so you can easily search by region or state. AdvertisementThe following ranking of the top 10 best small to midsize cities to live in is based on the overall livability scores.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business, Census, of Labor Statistics Locations: Los Angeles and New York, Montana, Miami, Oakland

☆ A couple that built wealth from 'live-in flips' shares 4 strategies they use to flip homes for a profit, including: Find the 'dumpy house in the great neighborhood'
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

A live-in flip, unlike a traditional flip, is when you rehab the home to increase its market value while living there. Related stories"One thing that we have always focused on is finding that dumpy house in the great neighborhood," said Mindy. For example, the Jensens' current live-in flip has a pool. "So no one wanted this house, but it's in a great neighborhood, and it would be very easy to get rid of the pool." Do a 'live-in flip' to avoid capital gains taxThe Jensens prefer 'live-in flips' to traditional flips because it lowers their risk.

Persons: —, Carl, Mindy Jensen, they've, they're, Mindy, There's, Carl Jensen, We're, flipper Organizations: Service, Business, YouTube Locations: The Colorado, Colorado

☆ IRS aims to more than double its audit rate for wealthiest taxpayers in strategic plan update
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Internal Revenue Commissioner Danny Werfel speaks during his swearing in ceremony at the IRS in Washington, D.C., on April 4, 2023. The agency also renewed its focus on "tax fairness" with plans to increase audits on the wealthiest taxpayers, large corporations and complex partnerships. The IRS aims to more than double the audit rate for the wealthiest taxpayers with total positive income of more than $10 million by tax year 2026. This would bring the audit rate for these individuals to 16.5% in 2026, compared to 11% in 2019. The agency also plans to "nearly triple audit rates" on large corporations with assets over $250 million and boost audit rates "by tenfold" for large, complex partnerships with assets over $10 million, Werfel said.

Persons: Danny Werfel, Werfel Organizations: Washington , D.C, IRS, Finance, Fed Locations: Washington ,

☆ A financially independent couple that has built wealth doing 7 'live-in flips' has paid zero capital gains taxes on their property sales, thanks to an IRS rule
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

"One of our big strategies was 'live-in flip,'" Carl, who retired in his 40s and runs the financial independence blog "1500 Days to Freedom," told Business Insider. The Colorado-based couple is wrapping up their eighth live-in flip, in which they buy a house, rehab it while living there, and then resell it. While they haven't earned more than $500,000 on a flip yet, they could on the sale of their current live-in flip. To avoid paying capital gains taxes, "we're actually considering putting one of our daughters on the title," said Mindy. That way, they'd have three individuals on the title and could shield up to $750,000 from capital gains.

Persons: —, Carl, Mindy Jensen, Jensen, they're, it's, they've, Mindy, we're, they'd Organizations: Service, Business, IRS Locations: Colorado, New York City

☆ DOJ charges 'Bitcoin Jesus' with $48 million tax fraud, seeks extradition
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

(Photo by Danny Lee/South China Morning Post via Getty Images)The Justice Department unveiled criminal tax fraud charges this week against a prolific bitcoin investor named Roger Ver. He came to be known as "Bitcoin Jesus," for getting in early on the digital currency and making a fortune. The DOJ alleges that in preparing those tax filings, Ver underrepresented his bitcoin holdings and evaded taxes on them. The United States is seeking his extradition to face trial on eight counts related to tax evasion, mail fraud and filing false tax returns. According to the indictment, the IRS used a strategy called "clustering analysis" to track the blockchain and identify Ver's bitcoin transactions.

Persons: Roger Ver, Danny Lee, Ver, Bryan Skarlatos, bitcoin Organizations: South China Morning, Getty, Justice Department, Internal Revenue Service, DOJ, CNBC, eBay, IRS Locations: South, California, Caribbean, St, Kitts, Nevis, U.S, Spain, United States, Pest

☆ 39-year-old who makes $9,300/mo in passive income: My No. 1 piece of side hustle money advice
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jannese Torres | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Today, at 39, I have seven income streams, including affiliate marketing, blog and podcast ads, speaking engagements, digital courses, AirBnB rental income and brand partnerships. I used to use basic spreadsheets to reconcile my side hustle income and expenses, and I usually only did this at year's end, so I had little idea what was happening throughout the year. Setting up your business finances involves several important steps to ensure that you can effectively manage your income, expenses and overall financial health. Cash accounting records transactions when money actually changes hands, while accrual accounting records them when they occur, regardless of when payment is received. Sign up for CNBC's new online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories.

Persons: Dinero, Jannese Torres Organizations: CNBC Locations: Puerto Rican

☆ Crypto investor 'bitcoin Jesus' arrested and charged by the Justice Department with $48 million tax evasion
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Yuheng Zhan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

"Bitcoin Jesus" Roger Ver was arrested in Spain on charges of tax evasion this week. An early crypto enthusiast, he's been a long-time bitcoin evangelist, earning him the "bitcoin Jesus" nickname. AdvertisementVeteran crypto trader Roger Ver, also known as "bitcoin Jesus," was arrested in Spain and charged by the US Department of Justice with evading $48 million in taxes. Ver faces three charges of mail fraud, two charges of tax evasion, and three charges of subscribing to a false tax return. Ver, who was an early cryptocurrency evangelist, has been avidly promoting bitcoin for years, earning him the "Bitcoin Jesus" moniker.

Persons: Jesus, Roger Ver, Ver, he's, —, Agilestar —, Ver didn't, Binance's, Changpeng Zhao, Sam Bankman, Fried Organizations: DOJ, Service, Veteran, US Department of Justice, Justice Department Locations: Spain, St, Kitts, Nevis, US

☆ Over $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds is set to expire in just over 2 weeks, IRS says—here’s how to claim yours
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Internal Revenue Service says more than $1 billion in unclaimed tax refunds from the 2020 tax year is sitting in its coffers. Around 940,000 people across the U.S. have until May 17 to submit their 2020 tax returns and claim their portion of the unclaimed funds, according to the IRS. "There's money remaining on the table for hundreds of thousands of people who haven't filed 2020 tax returns," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in March. Typically, tax filers have three years to claim old refunds by the April 15 tax filing deadline. The IRS says that your refund may be withheld if you haven't filed your 2021 and 2022 tax returns.

Persons: haven't, Danny Werfel, Werfel Organizations: Internal Revenue Service, IRS

☆ Advice about 401(k) rollovers is poised for a big change. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Johner Images | Johner Images Royalty-free | Getty ImagesA new U.S. Labor Department rule will significantly change the advice many investors receive about rolling money over from 401(k) plans to individual retirement accounts, legal experts say. watch nowA 'major shift' in rollover adviceThe new Labor Department rule aims to make more investment recommendations "fiduciary" in nature. The new Labor Department rule changes that, however. Good advisors are likely making an honest effort to do what's best for their clients, but hopefully the Labor Department rule would "bring up the bottom to a better quality," Reish said. However, many financial companies dispute the necessity of the Labor Department rule.

Persons: Rollovers, Katrina Berishaj, Ronon Stevens, Young, it's, Reish, Berishaj, They'd, Susan Neely Organizations: . Labor Department, Department, Labor, Economic, Labor Department, Young, American Council of

☆ A financially independent couple that built wealth doing 'live-in flips' is pivoting to private lending. It's more passive and earns them 'about 12%' — but you need 2 things to get started.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

When he was working full-time while also DIY home flipping, Carl recalls putting in 80 hours a week. Shifting to a more passive real-estate strategy: Private lendingThe Jensens started experimenting with private lending in 2016. "The private lending generates such a nice return that it's difficult to be like, 'No, we don't want to have the easy money. To get started in private lending, you need capital and a network. They're confident in the people that they're lending to, "and that is the most important part about lending out money: lending it to somebody that's going to pay you back."

Persons: —, Carl, Mindy Jensen, It's, they've, Mindy, We've, who's, I'm, Let's, we're Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Colorado, New York

☆ IRS free tax filing pilot processed more than 140,000 returns, saved consumers $5.6 million in prep fees
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel testifies during the Senate Finance Committee hearing on the fiscal 2024 IRS budget and the IRS' 2023 filing season, in the Dirksen Building in Washington, D.C., on April 19, 2023. This season, more than 140,000 taxpayers successfully filed returns using IRS Direct File, a free tax filing pilot from the IRS, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS. The program fully opened for certain taxpayers in 12 states in early March and saved filers an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees for federal returns, IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel told reporters on a press call. Direct File surveyed more than 15,000 users and some 90% rated their experience as "excellent," the agencies reported. The IRS plans to release a more detailed report about the Direct File pilot "in the coming days," he added.

Persons: Danny Werfel, Werfel Organizations: Senate, IRS, Washington , D.C, U.S . Department of, Treasury, Finance Locations: Washington ,

☆ 9 ways rich real estate owners save big on taxes from putting mansions in trusts to donating rental property income
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Hayley Cuccinello | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

The richest 0.1% of Americans own $1.8 trillion in real estate, according to the Federal Reserve. Currently, individuals and married couples can gift or bequeath $13.61 million and $27.22 million, respectively, before a 40% federal estate tax kicks in. Here are nine little-known techniques that wealthy real estate owners use to pay less to Uncle Sam:Qualified personal residence trusts, better known as "QPRTs," effectively freeze the value of a real estate property for tax purposes. With an FLP, an individual — often a parent or two parents — pools their business assets, commonly real estate or stocks. The heirs don't own the trust assets, but rather have lifetime rights to the trust's income and real estate.

Persons: Uncle Sam, Trump, Sam Walton, Wrigley, Jeff Bezos, Rich, Ron Wyden, PPLI, Jackie O, I've, Edward Renn, remarries Organizations: Federal, Business, Walmart, Biden, Blackstone, Lombard, Taxpayers, IRS Locations: Trump, Florida, Wyoming, Plenty

☆ Saving in a 401(k) can come with unexpected tax bills. Here's what to check right away to avoid a surprise and 4 ways to reduce your taxes as you withdraw.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Depending on your tax bracket at the time of withdrawal, your 401(k) money could be taxed at around 20% or 30%. Note that if you have a Roth 401(k), which is funded with after-tax dollars, you won't be taxed when withdrawing. The longer you can wait to touch your 401(k) money, the longer you'll delay owing taxes. Finally, there's the "non-taxable portion," he said, which would be money in accounts like a Roth 401(k), Roth IRA, and HSA. Or do they have a Roth IRA that they can take it from tax-free to benefit them?"

Persons: —, Grant Neiland, there's, you'd, Roth, Neiland, you've Organizations: Service, Business, Carson Wealth, IRS, Roth IRA

☆ Labor Department issues rule to crack down on bad retirement savings advice
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty ImagesThe Biden administration issued a final rule on Tuesday that cracks down on the investment advice that advisors, brokers, insurance agents and others give to retirement savers. The final rule takes effect on Sept. 23. Current retirement rules don't provide adequate protections to savers, Labor Department officials said during a press call Tuesday. Such a dynamic can "chip away" at Americans' savings, Gomez said. The amount of 401(k)-to-IRA rollovers is 'astronomical'The final rule doesn't differ significantly from the Biden administration's initial proposal, Labor officials said.

Persons: Al Drago, Biden, Obama, Lisa Gomez, That's, Gomez, Andrew Oringer, Oringer Organizations: U.S . Department of Labor, Bloomberg, Getty, Labor, Security, The Labor Department, Economic Advisers, Biden, Finance, Economic, Wagner, Department of Labor Locations: Washington, IRAs

☆ Here's what to do if you missed the federal tax deadline
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The federal tax deadline was April 15 for most filers — and if you missed it, you should file your return and pay your balance as soon as possible, experts say. The late filing penalty is 5% of your unpaid balance per month or partial month, capped at 25% of your balance. Here's why it may work this timeHowever, that doesn't mean you should rush to file a return if you're still missing key information, like tax forms for your investments or other earnings. With missing information, the IRS could flag your tax return for audit, processing could be delayed or you could receive an agency notice. Of course, some filers in disaster areas automatically have more time to file federal returns and pay taxes owed.

Persons: Mark Steber, Jackson Hewitt, Biden, Steber Organizations: Finance, IRS

☆ Express files for bankruptcy, plans to close nearly 100 stores as investor group looks to save the brand
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Gabrielle Fonrouge | In Gabrielle-Fonrouge | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The company said hours for remaining stores won't change and it will continue to accept orders and returns as usual. "The proposed transaction will provide Express with additional financial resources, better position the business for profitable growth and maximize value for the Company's stakeholders," Express said. "We are taking an important step that will strengthen our financial position and enable Express to continue advancing our business initiatives," he added. Last spring, Express acquired Bonobos' operating assets and related liabilities for $25 million from Walmart in a joint deal with WHP. The deal came as Express' "core business was weak, and cash was tight," GlobalData managing director Neil Saunders said in a Monday note.

Persons: –, Stewart Glendinning, Neil Saunders, Saunders, Kirkland Organizations: Express Inc, Longtime, Express, WHP, Simon Property Group, Brookfield Properties, Les Wexner's, CNBC, Walmart, Powerhouse, Ellis, Partners Locations: New York, U.S

☆ Here's what to know before withdrawing funds from inherited individual retirement accounts
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

If you've inherited an individual retirement account since 2020, you could have a shorter timeline to withdraw the money, which can trigger tax consequences. But there are a few things to consider before emptying an inherited account, experts say. Under the Secure Act of 2019, so-called "non-eligible designated beneficiaries," have a 10-year window to deplete an inherited IRA. Non-eligible designated beneficiaries are heirs who aren't a spouse, minor child, disabled or chronically ill. Certain trusts may also fall into this category. They just want the money," said individual retirement account expert and certified public accountant Ed Slott.

Persons: you've, RMDs, Ed Slott Organizations: IRS, Finance

Where to buy glasses online using insurance FAQsWhat is FSA/HSA? A FSA, or flexible spending account, is an account provided by your employer in order to save on taxes and pay for qualified expenses. An HSA, or health savings account, is a type of flexible spending account geared towards qualified medical expenses. By enrolling in a High Deductible Health Plan and opening an HSA, your monthly insurance premium is usually lower, while tax exempt dollars from your HSA pay for higher deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other health-related costs. When ordering glasses online, you'll be prompted for your PD, or pupillary distance.

Persons: Read, you'll Organizations: IRS

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