For business owners who may have worked for decades to build up their companies, deciding to sell the business can be an emotional process. But it’s also a practical one where savvy business owners need to find ways to minimize the tax implications of selling a business to benefit themselves and other stakeholders. There are a number of strategies, particularly during the planning stage and the sales…

Anyone entering retirement must manage the tax implications that come with shifting their primary income source from their employer to other income streams like social security. But for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) with robust portfolios, income tax planning can be particularly complex. Retiring early can complicate the tax planning process even further. In a recent video presentation, Granite…

Many people dream of retiring early so they can spend more time with family and their passions outside of work. But early retirement can present some unique risks, even for high-net-worth individuals. To ensure financial goals are met, thoughtful planning is required, particularly when it comes to cash flow. In a recent video presentation, Granite Harbor partner Tim Smith, CFP® discussed considerations…

Tax rates are currently at or near historic lows. But ask just about anyone and the expectation is that taxes are sure to increase in the future. So, finding tax-efficient shelters for wealth accumulation is important for protecting long-term portfolio value and accomplishing tax planning goals. For the ultra-wealthy, private placement life insurance (PPLI) can provide powerful tax benefits while helping…

Many corporate executives receive stock as part of their total compensation package. This not only helps align personal goals and company objectives while rewarding top talent with appreciable assets, but many executives enjoy tying their finances, in part, to their employer. They believe in their company and in their own ability to help that company grow. But as total compensation becomes skewed toward…

As covered in our 401(k) – Super Roth article, a Roth IRA offers an attractive tax benefit. But, what do you do if you do not have a 401(k) or your 401(k) does not allow post-tax contributions? The answer is the Backdoor Roth which is the conversion from a Traditional to a Roth IRA. Both the Super Roth and Back Door options are for people who exceed the income limits (single filers that make over $139,000…

United States Army veteran William Victor Roth will forever be remembered for creating one of the most utilized tax-savings tools available. During his 30-year career as a US Senator, he pioneered a new retirement savings vehicle, the Roth Individual Retirement Account (Roth IRA), as part of the Tax-Payer Relief Act of 1997. With the previously established “traditional” IRA, the tax benefits are realized…