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Donor Advised Funds: The Basics and More

Charitable giving becomes truly powerful when strategy meets generosity. Tax Director Lisa Behan from MP CPAs joins us to unpack the often-overlooked financial tool that's changing how smart philanthropists approach their giving: Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).

The conversation dives deep into strategic approaches that can dramatically increase the power of your giving. Lisa shares brilliant tactics like "bunching" multiple years of charitable contributions into high-income years, contributing appreciated assets to avoid capital gains tax, and navigating the post-2018 tax landscape where standard deductions have changed the game for many givers. Whether you're facing a windfall year from a business sale or simply want your regular charitable giving to have a greater impact, these strategies could save you thousands while increasing what reaches your favorite causes.

Ready to transform your giving from reactive checkbook charity to strategic philanthropy? This episode provides the roadmap you've been looking for.

To learn more about MP CPAs visit:
https://thempgroupcpa.com/
MP CPAs
413-739-1800

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What Is The Difference Between Passive And Non-Passive Rental Income?

The complex world of real estate taxation contains hidden opportunities that could dramatically impact your bottom line—if you know where to look. Brian Moss, a senior tax associate with MP CPAs who recently passed all four parts of his CPA exam, breaks down the critical distinction between passive and non-passive rental income classification that every property owner needs to understand.

Most property owners don't realize that rental income defaults to passive status, severely limiting how losses can offset other income sources. Brian walks us through exactly what it takes to potentially reclassify your rental activities as non-passive, unlocking significant tax advantages. He details the dual requirements of material participation (requiring regular, continuous involvement) and real estate professional status (demanding more than 50% of your personal services and 750+ annual hours in real property businesses).

Whether you're a seasoned real estate investor or considering your first property purchase, this episode delivers actionable insights that could potentially save you thousands in taxes through proper planning and documentation.

To learn more about MP CPAs visit:
https://thempgroupcpa.com/
MP CPAs
413-739-1800

Send us a text

What is The SECURE Act 2.0?

Retirement planning is undergoing a seismic shift with the implementation of SECURE Act 2.0, and your financial future depends on understanding these critical changes. Melissa English, Audit Director with over 23 years of experience at MP CPAs, walks us through the five major changes hitting retirement plans in 2025 that will transform how Americans save for retirement.

The biggest revelation? Starting in January 2025, eligible employees must be automatically enrolled in retirement plans at 3-10% of their salary with annual increases—unless they actively opt out. This mandatory change aims to boost participation rates but comes with specific exceptions for certain businesses. We also explore super catch-up contributions, allowing those aged 60-63 to contribute an additional $3,750 beyond standard limits, and how long-term part-time employees will qualify for plans after just two years instead of three.

Whether you're a plan sponsor with fiduciary responsibilities or an individual preparing for retirement, this episode delivers actionable insights to optimize your financial strategy!

To learn more about MP CPAs visit:
https://thempgroupcpa.com/
MP CPAs
413-739-1800