Blog
April 2018 Market Insight
With April now behind us, the S&P 500 is just about even from the beginning of the year, but what a ride it has been! January gave us the “Melt Up” of over 7%, February brought a correction, and March was a whipsaw of trade concerns and inflation fears. It seems April was more of the same.
Update on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was passed by Congress in a hurry late last year, and the IRS and tax preparers have been working to digest some of the more thorny issues created by the tax overhaul. Here are the latest answers to some of the most common questions.
How to handle a gap in health care coverage
Health care coverage gaps happen. Whether because of job loss or an extended sabbatical between gigs, you may find yourself without health care for a period. Here are some tax consequences you should know about, as well as tips to fix a coverage gap.
Whitcomb & Hess selected for April 2018 Ohio Business Profile
Whitcomb & Hess is honored to have been selected for April 2018 Ohio Secretary of State’s Ohio Business Profile. We would like to thank the Ashland Chamber of Commerce for the nomination
The Constant Tension: Risk vs. Return
When I was studying to obtain the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification, one of the first definitions I had to memorize was the meaning of risk--the possibility of loss. Risk is everywhere in our world, and as your advisors it is our job to help you identify these risks and find the most effective means to reduce or eliminate them.
Charitable Giving Strategies in 2018
You love giving. You don’t love paying taxes. Our new federal tax laws may hold some good news for you.
Market Update
The stock market has had an up and down start to 2018. Volatility has made a comeback, after being mostly absent last year.
The Richland County Foundation congratulates Tim Hilterman on CAP® designation
Tim Hilterman, Investment Advisor for Whitcomb & Hess, Inc., has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) Designation. This designation provides Tim with the knowledge and tools needed to help individuals and families articulate and advance their highest aspirations for themselves, their families, and their community.
Employee Spotlight: Tammy Higgins & Jerod Daniel
Support staff often play an unrecognized yet vital role in a business’s success. In many ways, they are the mortar that holds all the bricks together. At Whitcomb & Hess, we understand their value and would like to introduce to you to two of our Investment Team members who contribute greatly to our organization.
Check your 2018 tax withholding — It may need adjusting
A lot of people like to receive a refund from the IRS, thinking of it as a form of forced saving. On the other hand, if you underpay your taxes by more than $1,000 and don't meet certain exceptions, you could be hit with a penalty.
March 2018 Market Insight
It’s a good time to unplug… not from your investment strategy: from the media!
When an extension makes sense
While most people should file a tax return by April 17, you have the option of delaying your filing date until Oct. 15 with a tax extension.
Stay prepared to sell your business
If you enjoy running your own business, selling it may be the furthest thing from your mind. But the reality is that eventually an opportunity to sell will come, whether due to your own life changes or a perfect buyer walking in the door. Planning, often years in advance of the sale date, is necessary to get the most value for the love, sweat and tears you’ve invested. Here are some tips to stay prepared.
Great uses for your tax refund
Most Americans get a refund every year, with the average check weighing in at $2,895 last year. Even though it’s really money that they earned, many people are tempted to treat it like a windfall and splurge. If you can resist that temptation, here are some of the best ways to put your refund to good use.
Why you may want to rethink your estate plan in 2018
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law at the end of 2017 sets the estate tax exemption at $11.2 million per individual for 2018.
Tax breaks for 2017 tax return revived
In early February, Congress passed a federal budget bill that revived several expired tax breaks for the 2017 tax year.
Tax checklist for business startups
Starting your own business can be equal parts thrilling and intimidating. Complying with regulations and tax requirements definitely falls into the latter category. But, with some professional help, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can get started with this checklist of things you’ll need to consider.
Alert: Expired home and education tax breaks revived
Congress passed a federal budget bill in early February that revived dozens of expired tax breaks for the 2017 tax year. They include a deduction for education expenses as well as several tax breaks for homeowners.
Answers to commonly asked tax questions
With all of the headlines about the changes to tax law, you probably have lots of questions. Here are answers to some of the most common questions taxpayers have this year.
IRS updates 2018 withholding tables
The IRS recently released updated income tax withholding tables. These updates are a result from changes in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) passed in late 2017. Employers will have until Feb. 15 to update their payroll systems. Employees will start seeing the changes to their paychecks shortly thereafter.
Prep for an IRS audit using your 2017 tax return info
An IRS audit is kind of like a flat tire. It's inconvenient and frustrating, and if you're lucky you may never have to experience one. But if you do, you'll be sorry if you aren't prepared.
January 2018 Market Insight
Can All-Time Market Highs Continue with All-Time Low Volatility?
Taxes and virtual currencies: What you need to know
Virtual currencies are all the rage lately. Here are some tax consequences you must know if you decide to dip your toe into that world.
Tips for when your employees are family members
Working with family can be a pleasure. It can also be a pain, especially if you have to terminate a family member's employment. Here are tips to help you ease the strain of mixing your family and employee relationships.
New 2018 capital expense rules
There are many provisions in the tax reform bill passed in late 2017 designed to benefit small business owners. There are also a variety of new tax tools affecting how small businesses account for deducting the cost of capital purchases under the new tax law.
New Year, New Numbers
Happy New Year! We would like to highlight some figures that will be helpful in your financial and retirement planning for this coming year.
2017 Year End Market Update
2017 is now in the books. It’s always fun to look at predictions made one year ago and see how they measured up to reality.
Where Will Your Money Go?
Do you know who will inherit your money when you die? Many people think they know the answer to this question. But are you sure your paperwork lines up with your wishes?
Tim Hilterman Earns CAP®
Tim Hilterman has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) Designation.
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