We all know one or more elders that have been preyed on in one fashion or another. It happens all the time. Some attorneys even specialize in defending their elderly clientele against these predators, who come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, a predator is a stranger who becomes embedded in the senior’s life in the form of “a new caregiver, a friend, a romantic interest or even as a financial adviser.”

We all complain about the crazy and sometimes foolish behavior of the Internal Revenue Service. But, other taxing entities such as states, school districts and municipalities can be just as bad. These other taxing entities have no qualms in spending $100 to collect $10 in extra taxes. They are also quick to charge interest and penalties on anything and everything.

One hears much about the federal income tax credit available for rehabilitation of historical structures. Fewer know that Ohio also has such a credit. The federal and state credits may help finance the rehab of historic structures.

If one of these notices comes your way, please check immediately with your tax advisor. This piece of mail is not to be ignored.

Self-directed IRAs are not for the faint of heart. There are many ways for a seemingly innocent misstep to “blow-up” your IRA, causing your retirement funds to be taxed along with some BIG penalties and interest.

Many people including me want to make things hard. Because, if it isn’t hard, it is not worth doing. That old adage too often doesn’t carry its own weight.