Target Alpha Financial

Your tax, retirement and estate planning shouldn’t be done separately. Decisions in one area can affect the others, especially as tax laws, financial circumstances and long-term goals evolve. We can help keep these important drivers of financial security in sync by providing coordinated strategies for managing taxes, supporting retirement objectives and preserving wealth for future generations. Contact us at (970) 223-3635 to get started.

Business owners: Are you or your employees planning to go “back to school” soon? Two types of work-related education costs may qualify for business tax breaks: 1) those required to retain an existing job, license or professional status, and 2) those directly tied to maintaining or improving skills for a current trade or business. Deductible expenses can include tuition, books, supplies and possibly travel if the primary purpose of the trip is business-related education. However, you can’t deduct costs for education that help meet the minimum qualifications for a position or to qualify for a new trade or business. Contact us at (970) 223-3635 to learn the ABCs of work-related education expense deductions.

Wondering how Sec. 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) may be invested? The IRS has issued proposed regulations clarifying the investment options allowed during the “growth period.” This period begins when the beneficiary’s initial account is established and ends on Dec. 31 of the year the child turns 17. During this time, eligible investments generally include mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that track an equity index of mainly U.S. companies, don’t use leverage, and have annual fees and expenses of no more than 0.1% of the fund’s balance. The proposed regulations would apply to tax years starting on or after Jan. 1, 2026. Call us at (970) 223-3635 with questions.

The 40% generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax generally applies to transfers made to people two generations or more below you, like your grandchildren. And it applies on top of any gift or estate tax due. The good news is that a large GST tax exemption is available: $15 million for 2026. So most taxpayers don’t need to worry about the GST tax. But if you have a large estate, you can allocate your GST tax exemption to contributions to a dynasty trust and allow assets to skip several generations of taxation. Contact us at (970) 223-3635 to learn more.

If you’re age 50 or older, a great way to enhance your retirement nest egg is to make “catch-up” contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), 457 plan, SIMPLE or IRA. And workers age 60 to 63 can potentially boost their 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan up to 150% of the regular catch-up limit. For 2026, this means an extra contribution of $11,250 ($5,250 for SIMPLEs). Want to make the most of tax-advantaged savings opportunities? Contact us at (970) 223-3635.

Did you know the IRS can file a tax return on your behalf if you don’t file one yourself? It’s called a Substitute for Return (SFR) — and it’s rarely in your favor. The IRS uses information it already has, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, to prepare the SFR. But it usually skips deductions and credits you may be entitled to, often resulting in a higher tax bill. You could also face penalties, interest and collection actions, such as liens or levies. The good news? You can fix it. Filing an accurate return can generally replace the SFR and may reduce what you owe, though penalties and interest may still apply. Call us at (970) 223-3635 for help.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is making permanent the suspension of the beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements for U.S. companies and U.S. persons. If these Corporate Transparency Act requirements had gone into effect, millions of U.S. businesses would have faced the administrative burden of an initial BOI filing and subsequent updates for any BOI changes. FinCEN will also delete previously reported information it believes belongs to U.S. persons (such as information linked to U.S. driver’s licenses and U.S. passports). Foreign entities that are reporting companies must still report BOI for foreign individuals. Call us at (970) 223-3635 if you have questions.

Selling investments at a loss generally reduces taxes, but the wash sale rule can get in the way. If you buy the same or a “substantially identical” investment within 30 days before or after the sale, the loss may be disallowed. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid triggering the wash sale rule and still achieve your goals. Contact us at (970) 223-3635 to discuss balancing tax considerations with investment objectives.

Static budgets can quickly fall out of sync with reality in today’s volatile markets. Rolling forecasts offer a smarter, more flexible approach, updating your projections throughout the year to reflect real-time changes in your business, industry and market. They complement your annual budget and help you make better decisions, faster. Want to improve your forecasting and budgeting? Let’s talk. Call us at (970) 223-3635.

If you were born in 1960 or later, you can start taking “full” Social Security benefits when you turn age 67. But should you? It may depend on your health, retirement income and other factors. If possible, try to delay taking benefits until you’re age 70, when you’ll receive larger monthly payments. In fact, benefits increase by 8% each year you delay taking them! For more about Social Security and funding your retirement, call us at (970) 223-3635.