Preview of the Proposed New Tax Relief Act of 2010 - Part 1

 

 

There’s a lot of talk about the New Tax Relief Act of 2010. 

At the time of this writing, it isn’t law, and with our current political logjam, there is likely to be a fair bit of change between now and then. 

We thought, however, that our clients would like to hear some of the elements that are of most direct interest to their welfare, and to the health of their estate.

Once again.. this is a preview of what is currently under discussion.  It is NOT law, and should not be looked at as political, legal, or financial advice.  This is only  a brief look at some of the currently debated act, as it impacts our senior clientele.

Reductions in Individual Income Tax Rates

Under contemplation is to temporarily extend the 10% bracket. The 10% individual income tax bracket expires at the end of 2010, and this impacts a great deal of our elder law clients. If nothing happens, the lowest tax rate will be 15%. This proposal extends the 10% individual income tax bracket for an additional two years, through 2012.

 

Part 2 will look at the proposed changes to Capital Gains and Dividends as well as The Dependant Care Credit.

 

Your friends at…

Cohen & Oalican, LLP

Boston ElderLaw Attorneys
Raynham ElderLaw Attorneys
Andover ElderLaw Attorneys

Scams and our elderly clients

• Unlicensed contractors offering home repairs: "Hey, we just finished a job for the smiths two streets over, and there's leftover tile, would you like a great deal on....."  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Beware of home repair scams.   Look out for transient work crews, strangers claiming to have extra material, free inspections in your home.. All of these should be red flags.  You should look to licensed bonded and insured professionals.  It may feel more expensive at the outset than these street contractors that show up.. but nothing is more expensive than a botched job, or worse, paying and never seeing your money or the work again.  Shop around for a certified contractor insist on a detailed contract on the work to be done, estimated cost and timetable.

• The state of Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs should be notified of any scam, or scam attempt by calling 1-800-243-4636.

If you have been victimized, keeping quiet will not help the next victim in line.  Just last month (October 20/2010) in Ipswitch an elderly citizen was approached by someone saying that they were the recipient of funds from the federal government, and asked to provide personal information in order to claim his windfall.  The man intelligently informed local police, and the scammer was investigated and arrested.  We applaud this anonymous individual.  Our elders cannot be a doormat waiting for the next scam artist to come knocking. 

If you are subjected to a scam, contact local authorities, and your elder law attorney.

 

At Cohen & Olican we take pride in protecting our clients.

Scams and our elderly clients: Some common swindles–ID Theft

 

 

ID theft: With the growing of the internet and all the different ways con artists work to get ahold of your private information, you must be incredibly careful with Identity theft.   Place outgoing mail in a secure collection box and remove incoming mail from your mailbox promptly. Get a shredder.. nothing that is in your trash should be considered safe.  Any personal information should be shredded before it is trashed.   Question any website that asks you for your passwords or bank account numbers.  Websites can be built to look like they are your real bank website - but in truth - they are there to take your information.  If it doesn't feel right..ask the question.. has my bank ever before asked me to go to a website just to confirm my password... We assure you - they haven't.  If in doubt.. call your bank, or whomever it is that is asking for your information.   To cut down on credit offers, call 888-567-8688 or go to http://www.optoutprescreen.com to opt out of mail credit offers. You will need to provide your Social Security number so they can match your request with your file - this is a legitimate request for your private information.

 

At Cohen Olican we take pride in protecting our clients. 

Cohen & Oalican : New Health Care Law and Medicare

Cohen & Oalican answer:

Will the new health care law have any influence on my current benefits and coverage from Medicare?


You may rest assured that there will be no adverse impact on your current Medicare coverage due to the new health care law. On the contrary, this new law signed by the President ensures increased access to health insurance and provides considerable improvements to current policy, thereby providing enhanced protection for you and your family through Medicare coverage plans.

While you may keep your current plan intact, the President’s new law improves Medicare coverage exponentially. For example, the new law ensures the gap in prescription drug coverage (otherwise known as the “donut hole”) will close gradually by 2020. Each year, Medicare recipients will be offered new savings under the law. In 2010, a one-time rebate of $250 will be offer to Medicare recipients This amount will be given to those Medicare recipients who are not already receiving extra help to pay for prescribed medicines. You do not have to submit any personal information to obtain this check like bank account numbers, Social Security details or even Medicare coverage details. If anybody calls you regarding this $250 check and asks for any information, we advise you not divulge any personal facts.

The new health care law would also help reduce the costs of preventive services from the year 2011 moving forward.

If you have further questions please contact Cohen & Oalican LLP, elder law attorneys in Boston, Andover and Raynham.