Blog

To our Clients and Friends: We’re approaching the end of the year, which means it’s time to think about things you can do to reduce your federal tax bill. Although there are no guarantees, it looks like planning for income taxes may be a li

As we head into the busy holiday season, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2022 and mention how much we appreciate all of you, our clients. We continue to grow, in support of that, we introduce Heidi Miller from the Buursma Agency.

Tax Impact November / December

Year-end tax planning for businessFlexibility can be a virtueYear-end tax planning tips for investorsCan your gifting program benefit from defined-value gifts?Tax TipsSeptember Tax CalendarOctober Tax Calendar

Strategies to Weather Economic Downturns

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

During turbulent market times, you and your employees may stop investing. Some strategies can weather economic downturns, like Dollar Cost Averaging. Learn more about this in our Blog Post and Infographic.

Staying the Course through Volatile Markets

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Turbulent times can bring turbulent markets. Many factors cause chaotic swings in the investing world including housing bubbles, political elections, international instability and as we have seen recently, a global health pandemic...

Has the economy affected your life recently? Learn how to mitigate it's impact.

Joel Johnson

Thursday, July 14, 2022

How has the economy affected your life recently? Everyone, and I mean everyone, worries about it at some point, especially in times of a recession. However, being informed and educated about economic recessions is key in helping moderate i

Don't Miss Out: SECURE Act Tax Credits & 401(k) Plan Features

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

 The most comprehensive pension reform in 20 years, the SECURE Act, is a step forward to allow people greater access to retirement plans. The act hopes to expand retirement savings while alleviating administrative headaches....

Tax Impact July / August 2022Is your business getting the credits it deserves?Managing capital gainsThe right timing can result in significant tax savingsNet gifts differ from standard giftsTax TipsJuly Tax Payment...

Tax Impact November/December 2021

Tax Impact July/August 2021

Tax Impact May/June 2021

March/April Newsletter March Tax Payment Calendar April Tax Payment Calendar

January/February Newsletter 2021 January Tax Payment Calendar February Tax Payment Calendar

Year End Newsletter

November/December Newsletter Landlords and COVID-19: What are the tax implications? Perfect timing: Why now is as good a time as any to create a dynasty trust Does working from home entitle you to a tax break? Tax Tips November Tax...

September/October Newsletter Is your cafeteria plan in compliance? Uncertain economic times call for flexibility Year-end tax planning for investors Tax Tips September Tax Payment Calendar October Tax Payment Calendar

July/August Newsletter The CARES Act offers tax relief for businesses Current conditions are favorable for cost-effective wealth transfers How does the CARES Act affect your retirement accounts? Tax Tips July Tax Payment Calendar...

May/June Newsletter The SECURE Act: Understand the retirement and estate planning implications Is your business a tax shelter? An estate plan benefits you and your family Tax Tips May Tax Payment Calendar June Tax Payment Calendar

March/April Newsletter The proper care and feeding of your S corporation: Diligence required to avoid inadvertent termination and loss of tax benefits Do you own a closely held family business? Sec. 6166 may help ease the sting of...

January/February Newsletter "Small" is bigger than ever: Is your business eligible for expanded tax benefits? 5 tax-planning tips for retirees Keep future options open with powers of appointment Tax Tips January Tax Payment Calendar...

November/December Newsletter The R&D credit: Are you leaving tax dollars on the table? 5 good reasons to turn down an inheritance When it comes to taxes, getting married may cost you Tax Tips November Tax Payment Calendar December Tax...

September/October Newsletter Tax implications of equity-based compensation Take it or leave it? How to handle your 401(k) plan when you retire Filing a gift tax return regardless of whether it's required may be a plus Tax Tips...

DBFS Quarterly ConnectionYour Trusted Financial Resource Quiz: Social Security Survivor Benefits Did you know that Social Security may pay benefits to your eligible family members when you die, helping to make their financial life...

July/August Newsletter Partnerships: If you're audited, will you be ready? Examine your withholding allowances today The GST tax and your estate plan: What you need to know Tax Tips July Tax Payment Calendar August Tax Payment Calendar

May/June Newsletter The "backdoor" Roth IRA remains open Estate planning and business succession planning When can you deduct business meals? Tax Tips May Tax Payment Calendar June Tax Payment Calendar

DBFS Quarterly ConnectionYour Trusted Financial Resource We're pleased to introduce our newest staff member, Lynn Mulder; she joins our team as Director of Sales and Business Development. Lynn’s drive & passion to help people...

March/April Newsletter Qualified Opportunity Zones: A powerful tax incentive for investors Matters of interest: When are interest payments deductible? Getting your affairs in order when you're terminally ill Tax Tips March Tax Payment...

January/February Newsletter Are your business interest expenses deductible? BDIT lets you give away property without losing control Relax, but don't forget about taxes: Owning a vacation home requires tax planning Tax Tips January Tax...

November/December Newsletter Supreme Court's Wayfair decision: What it means for Internet and mail-order sales GST tax exemption has increased, but not permanently Got bitcoin? Understand your tax obligation Tax Tips November Tax...

Just a quick reminder…You are likely seeing and hearing much about renewals and open enrollment for the individual health insurance market and you’re right; it’s right around the corner!Open Enrollment dates are...

September/October Newsletter Are LLC members subject to self-employment tax? Ease new itemized deduction limitations using a nongrantor trust Know your tax obligations before hiring household help Tax Tips September Tax Payment...

You may have noticed a new advisor name on your account statements recently. To help avoid any service gaps that could arise with our advisors being out of the office, we have assigned a second advisor to your account.Our team of...

Buursma Agency- Serving West Michigan Since 1964

Joel Johnson

Friday, June 29, 2018

When you decide to partner with an agency to support you and your business, that agency should care about your success and wellbeing as if it were their own. They should be an agency who is well versed with all of the governmental...

Are You Covered by These Five Key Insurance Policies?

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

By Joe Johnson, Jim Boerkoel, and Buursma Agency When was the last time you gave insurance some serious thought? If you have it, you probably purchased it years ago and then turned your attention to more urgent and tangible financial...

How To Catch Up For Retirement in a Hurry

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The general rule of thumb when it comes to saving for retirement is to start early and let the power of compound interest work in your favor. But if you’re like one-third of Americans who don’t have a penny saved for...

May/June Newsletter Tax reform's impact on charitable donations Are you personally liable for your company's payroll taxes? Gain flexibility with a self-directed IRA Tax Tips May Tax Calendar June Tax Calendar

I Didn't Know You Did That!As we work with clients to help build their nest egg for retirement, inevitably we find ourselves discussing how to protect their assets and begin to design a plan for passing it onto the next generation....

How Might Tax Reform Affect Your Estate Plan?

Joel Johnson

Monday, April 9, 2018

The recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Trump’s much-anticipated tax reform bill, impacts individuals and businesses alike. And while we know that it lowers tax rates for individuals and corporations, increases the child tax credit,...

Your 2018 Social Security Benefit Guide

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

Almost 62 million people depend on Social Security in one way or another. Born out of the Great Depression as a retirement safety net, it has grown to cover 96% of Americans. In 2017, the Social Security Administration paid out $955...

Six Unexpected Threats to Your Retirement Plan

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

When you think of things that could devastate your retirement savings, you probably imagine a personal disaster, a natural catastrophe, or a recession. While these events could significantly impact your portfolio, they are largely out...

We Offer 401(k) Services

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

Did you know that in addition to tax and health insurance, we also provide 401(k) services? We offer an array of 401(k) services, all designed to allow you, as a business owner, to provide a top-notch benefit to your employees without...

March/April Newsletter The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: How will it affect your tax bill? Breathe new life in a trust by "decanting" it Identity theft and your tax returns: How to protect yourself Tax Tips March Tax Payment Calendar April...

Love and Money: Financial Planning Considerations for Couples

Joel Johnson

Friday, February 9, 2018

If you do a simple search on the topic of relationships and finances, you’ll come across countless sobering statistics. For example, you’ll find that money is the primary reason for arguments between couples, with many...

What Should You Do During a Stock Market Decline?

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The markets took a big dip on Monday, with the DOW losing 1,500 points for the first time in a single day and the S&P 500 down more than 4%. Although they rebounded a bit on Tuesday, the CBOE Volatility Index, which measures fear in...

Jumpstart Your Financial Plan for 2018!

Joel Johnson

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Have you ever made a New Year’s resolution and quickly realized you weren’t going to follow through? If so, you’re not alone. The stats tell us that 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. (1) Good...

WINTER NEWSLETTER

How Could Tax Changes Affect Your Financial Plan?

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

After months of revising, Congress closed out 2017 by passing the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, which was subsequently signed into law by President Trump. Since the campaign trail, President Trump has...

January/February Newsletter Are bad business debts deductible? Tax planning for investors: Income vs. Growth Higher education is expensive! Tax Tips January Tax Payment Calendar February Tax Payment Calendar

Is Your 401(k) Ready for a Market Downturn in 2018?

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

If you’ve kept an eye on the markets at all this year, you know that it’s been one of record highs. In October, the Dow closed above 23,000 for the first time, and in September, the S&P 500 finally broke the 2,500 mark. And...

November/December Newsletter How to claim research payroll tax credits Restricted stock: Should you pay tax now or later? To file or not to file: What you need to know about filing gift and estate tax returns Tax Tips November Tax...

FALL NEWSLETTER It may be autumn, but as this is written, it is 90 degrees outside! Does this portend another mild winter? Our recent West Michigan weather has been setting records for high temperatures this late in the season, and the...

Ten Financial Actions to Take Before the Ball Drops

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

When you watched the New Year’s Eve countdown and raised your glass to 2017, did you make any resolutions to put your finances first this year? Finance-related resolutions are the third most popular New Year’s resolution,...

Our Code of Ethics

Joel Johnson

Thursday, September 28, 2017

My role as an investment advisor goes beyond providing advice and building financial plans. An integral part of my job lies in my commitment and responsibility to my clients, which involves the experience my clients have in working...

Are You Affected by the Equifax Data Breach? Here’s What to Do

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

If you have a credit report (and most of us do), there’s a good chance that you were one of the estimated 143 million Americans affected by the recent Equifax Data Breach. If you have been affected, it’s important to be...

September/October Newsletter Cash vs. Accrual: Are you using the right accounting method? 2 homes in different states may result in multistate taxation Building an on-off switch into your estate plan Tax Tips September Tax Payment...

Take Our 401k Online Survey - Employee Report Card

Joel Johnson

Monday, August 14, 2017

401(k) Survey - Employee Report Card How Well Have You Prepared For Retirement?Do you know how much money you need to save? How much risk you are taking on your investments? Does your asset allocation strategy match your tolerance for...

Is Your Business’ 401(k) Plan on the Road Toward Success?

Joel Johnson

Friday, August 11, 2017

Many small and medium-sized businesses want to offer a competitive retirement plan that their employees appreciate. But beyond the initial setup, maintaining a plan requires time, money, and liability many business owners worry about...

Partnering With Buursma Agency Group Health Plans

Joel Johnson

Friday, July 21, 2017

At DeLong & Brower, P. C., we constantly strive to expand our breadth of services and provide the highest level of care we can. Since 1988, we’ve grown from a small tax practice to a full service certified public accounting and...

July/August Newsletter You can't take it with you: Making the most of tax carryovers Does a Roth IRA fit into your retirement plan? Independent contractor vs. employee: Worker classification matters Tax Tips July Tax Payment Calendar...

If I Could Only Teach One Financial Lesson… The Value Of Organization

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

I love teaching, which is why I started my adult life as a teacher. More than just teaching, though, I love teaching people things that will improve their lives. That’s why I got into this business. Through financial education, I...

How Does Your Retirement Savings Compare to Your Peers?

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Do you ever look in the mirror and wonder, where did all those gray hairs come from? Or, better, where did all my hair go? Whether you like to admit it or not, time passes, and we are all getting older. One thing you are probably...

How To Help Your Elderly Parents Get Organized to Transition Wealth

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

When you were young, your parents took care of everything for you. They provided for you financially and made sure all your needs were met. Even though you are older and independent now, you may still see your parents in that role. It...

If Widowhood Happened Tomorrow, Would You Be Prepared?

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

No one likes to think of the death of a loved one. But considering the difference in life expectancies of men and women, widowhood is a possibility that you need to take seriously. If you were widowed tomorrow, would you be prepared?...

May/June Newsletter Timing compensation in a changing tax climate: All eyes on Sec. 409A How to get relief from IRS penalties Are you a member of the Sandwich Generation Tax Tips May Tax Payment Calendar June Tax Payment Calendar

The Biggest Mistakes Business Owners Make Buying Group Employee Benefit Plans

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

By Joel Johnson and Kurt Buursma According to a recent study, employer sponsored health, dental, vision, life and disability plans are the most highly valued benefit among employees, accounting for almost one-third of the value...

Spring Newsletter It must be springtime. March Madness is now behind us, baseball is back, the upcoming NFL draft gives hope for all frustrated football fans, and the NHL and NBA playoffs are underway. Not a sports fan? Then enjoy...

What We Do and How We Can Help

Joel Johnson

Friday, April 14, 2017

For most people, it’s hard to find the time and resources to help build and manage their assets confidently. It can be even harder to know how to integrate your family’s values, financial circumstances, and life goals into...

Why I Became a Financial Advisor

Joel Johnson

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

When you were young, you likely thought about what you wanted to be when you grew up. Some people wanted to be a firefighter or an Olympic athlete, while others imagined saving the world of becoming a famous movie star. Growing up, I...

March/April Newsletter 4 tax-smart techniques for mutual fund investors Educate your children on wealth management New rules limit tax benefits of leveraged partnerships Tax Tips March Tax Payment Calendar April Tax Payment Calendar

Happy 2017! We hope the year brings you health, happiness, and prosperity. Our election is finally over and, for many, the result was surprising and unexpected. So far, the market has responded favorably. Now that the inauguration has...

January/February Newsletter Required minimum distributions: Tips and strategies What estate planning strategies are available for non-US citizens? Don't overlook the domestic production activities deduction Tax Tips January Tax Payment...

November/December Newsletter Year-end Tips for Reducing NIIT Is it time to revisit the research credit? How Incomplete Non-grantor Trusts Can Help Avoid State Income Taxes Tax Tips November Tax Payment Calendar December Tax Payment Calendar

2016 Fall Newsletter Greetings! In addition to cooler weather, colorful leaves, and a plethora of sport viewing opportunities, the fall season 2016 has an added feature for us… a presidential election. While we go out of our way...

September/October Newsletter Accelerating depreciation deductions: A cost segregation study may reduce taxes How basis planning can result in significant tax savings Watch out for the alternative minimum tax Tax Tips September Tax...

Welcome Buursma Agency

Joel Johnson

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Long-Time Insurance, Investor Agencies Merge Officials of Buursma Agency, DeLong & Brower PC and the Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce conduct the ceremonial ribbon cutting ceremony that formally opened the new offices of the...

Summer 2016 Newsletter Welcome to our great West Michigan summer! Whether you are sunning on the beach, hitting the golf ball, boating on the lake, or smelling the roses in your garden, it is a great time to pause and appreciate the...

July/August Newsletter Partnerships: Get ready for new audit rules When an inheritance is too good to be true-- How income in respect of a decedent works IRS hobby loss rules-- Is it a business or hobby? Tax Tips July Tax Payment...

May-June Newsletter Deduct now, donate later- Donor-advised funds offer significant benefits Is it time to revisit captive insurance? Why you may need a prenup Tax Tips May Tax Payment Calendar June Tax Payment Calendar

Spring 2016 Newsletter Looking out the office window, I see blue sky, robins hopping around searching for a meal, and buds appearing on the trees. Spring must be here! As nature’s growing season begins, we are pleased to report that...

March-April Newsletter 5 retirement account tax traps to avoid Property dividends: Handle with care The Section 1031 exchange: Why it's such a great estate planning tool Tax Tips March Tax Payment Calendar April Tax Payment Calendar

Welcome to 2016! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends, and that 2016 will be a healthy and prosperous year for all! While 2015 was a time for our wonderful major office face lift and another...

January-February 2016 Newsletter Designing a tax-wise bonus plan The net investment income tax: Planning opportunities for small business owners Need to protect your assets? Consider a BDIT Tax Tips- expatriation "exit tax," undoing...

November-December 2015 Newsletter 5 last-minute tax-planning ideasNeed a financial backup plan? Why you should consider a SLATSolving the play-or-pay conundrumTax Tips- passive foreign investment company, dealing with concentrated...

Sept-Oct 2015 Newsletter The PAL rules and estate planning- can you reduce your trust's tax bill?Pumping up retirement contributions- cash balance plansThe ins and outs of tax breaks for getting to and from workTax Tips- Supreme Court...

Click the links below to open in a new window: July 2015 Tax Payment Calendar July/August Tax Newsletter Non-qualified options - How to report stock salesShould you treat a partner as an employee?Understanding the pros and cons of a...

Click here to view or download our May/June Newsletter. Topics include:Roth or Traditional IRA: Which is better? How you can avoid a huge tax trap - Beware of the generation-skipping tax.The IRS is watching...Understanding the...

March/April NewsletterMarch Tax Payment Calendar April Tax Payment Calendar

February 2015 Tax Payment Calendar

Tax Payment Calendar

Wild Ride In Equity Markets

September 2014October 2014