Laura Saunders
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I write about taxes for The Wall Street Journal.
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Articles by Laura Saunders
How to Get All the Tax Benefits From Your Health-Savings Account
An HSA can cushion the blow of medical expenses, but it’s also a tax-favored investment vehicle Health savings accounts continue to gain ground with Americans. And with good reason, because they offer triple tax benefits. No wonder there were nearly 43 million HSAs as of June 30 compared with about 32 million at the end of 2021, according to new data from HSA consulting firm Devenir. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Egypt’s net international reserves rise by $5.9bln in 9M 2026
Happy is the family whose members—parents, grandparents and grown children—trust each other enough to cooperate on shared goals, especially financial ones. When that is truly the case, Uncle Sam’s tax rules can help as well. This matters especially now that mortgage rates are above 7%, and many families are looking for ways to help younger members.
How Families Can Beat 7% Mortgage Rates and Lower Their Tax Bills
Strong family financial planning can help reduce taxes and support younger generations. From intrafamily loans and asset gifts to inheritance disclaimers, strategic cooperation can create meaningful financial benefits—when families have the trust and structure to make it work. Happy is the family whose members—parents, grandparents and grown children—trust each other enough to cooperate on shared goals, especially financial ones. When that is truly the case, Uncle Sam’s tax rules can help as well.
How Families Can Beat 7% Mortgage Rates and Lower Their Tax Bills
By Laura Saunders Oct. 8, 2026 Happy is the family whose members—parents, grandparents and grown children—trust each other enough to cooperate on shared goals, especially financial ones. When that is truly the case, Uncle Sam’s tax rules can help as well. iStock-1167881584 This matters especially now that mortgage rates are above 7%, and many families are looking for ways to help younger members.
Why I’m Trying to Stop the IRS From Giving Me a Tax Refund This Year
By Laura Saunders Sept. 22, 2026 It is time to start year-end tax planning, and this year I’m doing something different. For the first time, I’m planning to owe taxes next April 15 instead of getting a refund. This means I’ll be parting company with most tax filers. Last year, nearly two-thirds of the nation’s 166 million filers of individual income-tax returns were owed refunds by the Internal Revenue Service. The average amount was $3,167.
Why I’m Trying to Stop the IRS From Giving Me a Tax Refund This Year
Overpaying taxes through the year can bring an unwanted refund, but underpaying them could bring penalties It is time to start year-end tax planning, and this year I’m doing something different. For the first time, I’m planning to owe taxes next April 15 instead of getting a refund. This means I’ll be parting company with most tax filers. Last year, nearly two-thirds of the nation’s 166 million filers of individual income-tax returns were owed refunds by the Internal Revenue Service.
My Attempt to Stop the IRS From Giving Me a Tax Refund This Year — WSJ
It is time to start year-end tax planning, and this year I'm doing something different. For the first time, I'm planning to owe taxes next April 15 instead of getting a refund. This means I'll be parting company with most tax filers. Last year, nearly two-thirds of the nation's 166 million filers of individual income-tax returns were owed refunds by the Internal Revenue Service. The average amount was $3,167.
How to Play the Retirement Tax Guessing Game
Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ The great obstacle to effective tax planning for retirement funds is Congress. To make smart moves, savers need to know about future taxes—but this is impossible. Will lawmakers tackle $40 trillion of debt by raising rates, altering provisions or adding a consumption tax? Maybe, maybe not. In addition, savers need to predict their own tax rates on retirement-fund withdrawals. How long will you work, and how much will you save? Will your income in retirement fall or rise?
When Your Bumper 401(k) Is a Tax Problem Waiting to Happen
Here’s a good question for mid- and late-career workers: Do your traditional 401(k) or IRA accounts hold a large portion of your retirement savings? If the answer is yes, consider changes. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
The Pros and Cons of Putting Extra Dollars in a Trump Account
Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ Trump accounts are here, and they’ve started with a bang. This year parents and others have signed up for more than seven million of these new, tax-favored savings accounts for children, according to the Treasury Department. The accounts have taken in about $1.5 billion, with part of that coming from Uncle Sam’s gifts of $1,000 for each child born from 2025 through 2028.
Is That College Scholarship Taxable? What Parents Need to Know Before Fall
Financial assistance for college comes in lots of shapes and sizes, and so do the tax consequences Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ Congratulations! Someone in your family has received a scholarship or other financial assistance to reduce the sky-high cost of higher education. Now, will those benefits be taxable? With the fall semester starting soon, this is an important question—but answering it often seems to require a Ph.D. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Lots of Americans lose battles with the Internal Revenue Service. But sometimes those fights provide insights the rest of us can use to win against the IRS on similar issues. A recent Tax Court case about so-called hobby losses by a Nebraska couple, Keith and Rhonda Schumacher , is a good example.
Why a Couple Lost a $200,000 Tax Battle Over Their Horses
The cost of your hobby can be tax deductible, but you have to do it right Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ Lots of Americans lose battles with the Internal Revenue Service. But sometimes those fights provide insights the rest of us can use to win against the IRS on similar issues. A recent Tax Court case about so-called hobby losses by a Nebraska couple, Keith and Rhonda Schumacher, is a good example. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Being Generous to Your Kids? Don’t Stick Them With a Surprise Tax Bill
Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ Are you feeling generous toward your children or grandchildren? Before opening your wallet, check whether your largess could yield a surprise tax bill for them. The reason is the “kiddie tax,” an often-overlooked levy that taxes the unearned income of children and grandchildren at the parents’ rates rather than the child’s. That can raise total income taxes on the family because the child’s rate is usually much lower.
How to Avoid the Tiny Blunder That Cost Two Donors a $665,000 Tax Deduction
The rules for charitable tax breaks depend on getting details right for smaller and larger donations Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ Small details can sink large tax deductions for charitable donations. A case in point: Two recent Tax Court decisions involving first cousins who donated 13.3 acres of land to Highland City, Utah, in 2018. The judge ruled that Stephen Martin and Clint Martin, who were close growing up and later did business together, can’t deduct $665,000 for the land donation.
The Clock Is Ticking on Your Chance to Cash In on a Covid-Era Tax Loophole
Strange but true: Tens of millions of Americans could be owed billions of dollars in tax refunds of Covid-era interest and penalties due to a recent federal court decision. But getting these refunds won’t be easy. Most eligible filers will need to send paperwork to the Internal Revenue Service by July 10. This will preserve their right to refunds and other favorable treatment due to the decision. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
A Lawsuit Raises Questions About Popular Tax-Saving Charity Funds
It’s not clear what legal rights charitable givers to donor-advised funds have Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ If you’ve made charitable contributions to a donor-advised fund or are considering them, pay attention to a current court case involving $21 million—and ask some key questions. Donor-advised funds, known as DAFs, have become extremely popular with affluent and wealthy charitable givers.
Now that you’re done with your taxes, here’s what to know for 2026
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Now That You’re Done With Your Taxes, Here’s What to Know for 2026
Act soon to maximize benefits or minimize hits from last year’s tax changes, especially for charitable deductions, 529 accounts and withholding Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ The 2025 tax year is over for most filers, and it’s time to focus on 2026. Some parts of last summer’s Republican tax-and-spending law are new this year, while provisions that took effect last year are still causing ripples. Here are key tax moves for the year ahead. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
When Heirs Are Right to Say ‘Thanks but No Thanks’ to an Inheritance
If you’re an older saver coping with tax planning for a large, traditional IRA—or even a smaller one—you might have overlooked a useful tool. It’s called a disclaimer. In essence, it’s a strategic rejection of an inherited asset by an heir. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
These simple steps can save you time and trouble with the IRS
Laura Saunders Nobody ever wants trouble with the Internal Revenue Service, but there's a special sting when a small tax misstep causes a big headache. Did you get an IRS letter asking for hefty tax on a retirement-plan rollover that's tax-free? Or a notice saying you didn't file a tax return, although you did? Will you have to wait months for your refund because you want a paper check? These and other snafus can happen, and they often take time and trouble to untangle.
These Simple Steps Can Save You Time and Trouble With the IRS
Don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself this tax-filing season Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ Nobody ever wants trouble with the Internal Revenue Service, but there’s a special sting when a small tax misstep causes a big headache. Did you get an IRS letter asking for hefty tax on a retirement-plan rollover that’s tax-free? Or a notice saying you didn’t file a tax return, although you did? Will you have to wait months for your refund because you want a paper check?
Don’t Miss Out on Big Tax Breaks When You Sell Your Home
If you plan to sell a home, be sure to follow the rules on tax breaks. Losing them could put a big dent in the profits on one of your biggest investments. Jeffrey Pesarik just learned this the hard way, in a punishing loss in Tax Court. Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
Don’t Miss Out on Big Tax Breaks When You Sell Your Home
If you plan to sell a home, be sure to follow the rules on tax breaks. Jeffrey Pesarik just learned this the hard way, in a punishing loss in Tax Court. Tax Court Chief Judge Patrick Urda disagreed.
Estimated Taxes Are a Pain. Here’s How to Avoid Costly Penalties.
It’s important, but not easy, to get the timing right for tax payments on income that doesn’t have withholding Kiersten Essenpreis for WSJ Want a lower income-tax bill? Check whether you’re one of millions of Americans who are paying billions of dollars in late-tax penalties to Uncle Sam. If so, there are moves you can make to avoid or reduce them. These penalties are for underpayments of estimated taxes, which are on Line 38 of Form 1040.
How AI Can, and Can’t, Help With Your Taxes This Year
This is no ordinary tax season. More filers than ever before—individuals and pros alike—are using artificial intelligence to help prepare tax returns. Does that mean AI can do your taxes for you? Generally, no.
How AI Can, and Can’t, Help With Your Taxes This Year
By Laura Saunders Feb. 6, 2026 This is no ordinary tax season. More filers than ever before—individuals and pros alike—are using artificial intelligence to help prepare tax returns. Does that mean AI can do your taxes for you? Generally, no. Sure, some people may be trying it—but you’re taking lots of risks if you do. And AI can’t file your taxes with the IRS, at least not yet. iStock image Even Google’s Gemini bot agrees.
The Medicare Charge That’s Taking a Bigger Bite Out of Social Security Checks
Nearly six million seniors owe extra Medicare premiums called Irmaa, and these charges are set to rise Elaine Young, a 66-year-old widow living near Philadelphia who does her own taxes, is confused and annoyed. “I got a letter from Social Security congratulating me on my 2.8% cost-of-living inflation adjustment for 2026. But they’re taking a third of my payment for Medicare, and this year I’m getting less per month than last year. What’s the inflation adjustment for Medicare premiums?” she asks.
Three Tax Resolutions to Protect Your Income in 2026
By Laura Saunders Dec. 29, 2025 With 2026 almost here, it’s time for New Year’s tax resolutions. This year, I suggest readers focus on three issues likely to confuse them, based on Tax Report’s reader mail and comments. These are MAGI, or modified adjusted gross income; rules for tax-free Roth IRA withdrawals; and the way charitable donations of IRA funds can lower required IRA payouts.
Three tax resolutions to protect your income in 2026
With 2026 almost here, its time for New Years tax resolutions.This year, I suggest readers focus on three issues likely to confuse them, based on Tax Reports reader mail and comments.
Three Tax Resolutions to Protect Your Income in 2026
Here’s how to avoid rampant confusion about MAGI, tax-free Roth IRA withdrawals and charitable donations using IRA funds. With 2026 almost here, it’s time for New Year’s tax resolutions. This year, I suggest readers focus on three issues likely to confuse them, based on Tax Report’s reader mail and comments. These are MAGI, or modified adjusted gross income; rules for tax-free Roth IRA withdrawals; and the way charitable donations of IRA funds can lower required IRA payouts.
Three Tax Resolutions to Protect Your Income in 2026
Here’s how to avoid rampant confusion about MAGI, tax-free Roth IRA withdrawals and charitable donations using IRA funds.
How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Changes Your Year-End Tax Moves: From SALT Deductions to Charitable Donations
It’s time for year-end tax planning. If you do nothing else, go over your 2025 deductions for state and local taxes, or SALT, and charitable donations. The reason: Last summer’s megabill made changes to many provisions, but the revisions to SALT and donations will matter most to a swath of affluent Americans. Reaping maximum benefits from them could be tricky, however, as the new law upends common strategies.
How the Megabill Changes 2025 Tax Breaks for SALT and Charity
Revisions to rules for deducting state and local taxes and charitable donations will affect millions of affluent Americans.
Beware of This Costly IRA Mistake
Try GOLD - Free The Wall Street Journal | November 08, 2025 Many savers pay little attention to beneficiaries Do yourself a favor: Check the heirs named on your IRA or 401(k) retirement plans. Then check your parents' accounts. This story is from the November 08, 2025 edition of The Wall Street Journal. Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers. Already a subscriber? Sign In
How to Stop Taxes From Eating Into Your Stock-Market Gains
Markets are dancing around all-time highs. If you’re looking to take money off the table, especially before year-end, remember to plan the taxes so you don’t end up overpaying Uncle Sam. This may not be easy. Minimizing taxes requires good record-keeping and dealing with an often-confusing topic known as cost basis. Some brokers have altered their guidelines in this area in the last year. Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
How to Stop Taxes From Eating Your Investment Gains
Try GOLD - Free The Wall Street Journal | October 04, 2025 FIFO? LIFO? Specific lot? Understanding such terms can help minimize how much tax you'll owe Markets are dancing around all-time highs. If you’re looking to take money off the table, especially before year-end, remember to plan the taxes so you don’t end up overpaying Uncle Sam. This story is from the October 04, 2025 edition of The Wall Street Journal.
How to Stop Taxes From Eating Into Your Stock-Market Gains
Minimizing taxes requires good record-keeping and dealing with an often-confusing topic known as cost basis. What is cost basis? It’s the starting point for measuring a taxable gain when an investor sells an asset, such as a stock or a fund, held in a taxable account.
Mike Shears joins Robinson & Hall as Senior Commercial Surveyor
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
What Trump’s Megabill Means for Roth IRA Conversions
It’s time to look at how Trump’s megabill affects Roth IRA conversions. The short take is that the pressure to do Roth conversions before year-end has eased. Instead of allowing current tax rates to rise in 2026 as scheduled, Congress made them “permanent”—so they’re probably good through 2028. Savers don’t need to race to take advantage of lower rates this year vs. higher ones next year. Copyright ©2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
What Trump’s Megabill Means for Roth IRA Conversions
Retirement age 'should' be 58, survey respondents say, on average. Here's what financial advisors recommend While you may hope to step out of the workforce sooner rather than later, it's easier said than done, experts say. On average, surveyed Americans, …
Giving to Charity Is Getting More Complicated
Try GOLD - Free The Wall Street Journal | July 26, 2025 Donors who want to maximize tax breaks should be planning now Donors who want to maximize tax breaks should be planning now. Do you make charitable donations? Little-noticed provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are about to boost tax breaks for some donors, lower them for others and complicate them f This story is from the July 26, 2025 edition of The Wall Street Journal.
Get Ready for New Rules on Tax Breaks for Charitable Giving
Do you make charitable donations? Little-noticed provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are about to boost tax breaks for some donors, lower them for others and complicate them for lots of Americans. Unlike some other recent changes, these don’t take effect until 2026—so donors who care about maximizing charitable tax breaks have months to prepare. After that, the changes are permanent, at least until Congress alters the law again.
Lawmakers employed some old tricks—and some new ones—to hold down costs. | The Wall Street Journal - newspaper - Read this story on Magzter.com
Try GOLD - Free The Wall Street Journal | July 12, 2025 Congress giveth and Congress taketh away—sometimes in one law. The "big, beautiful bill" signed by President Trump this month is a good example. Several key provisions in the tax-spending package make permanent items such as the 2017 tax cuts. Others are new laws that have been touted by supporters as terrific breaks for tip recipients, seniors, filers deducting state taxes, and more.
Some of the Tax Breaks in the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Are Smaller Than You Think
Congress giveth and Congress taketh away—sometimes in one law. The “big, beautiful bill” signed by President Trump this month is a good example. Several key provisions in the tax-and-spending package make permanent items such as the 2017 tax rates. Others are new laws that have been touted by supporters as terrific breaks for tip recipients, seniors, filers deducting state taxes and more.
How Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful’ Bill Will and Won’t Change Your Taxes
Republicans have their “big, beautiful” tax-and-spending package. Now, individual taxpayers want to know what difference this makes to their own returns and how changes could affect tax planning for this year and next. The short answer is that—unlike with the tax overhauls of 1986 and 2017—most of the changes for individuals aren’t radical. (Except, that is, for an expansion of the cap on state and local tax deductions to $40,000 from $10,000.
Key reforms to planning system
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Key reforms to the NPPF are briefly discussed below: Affordable Housing Provisions The requirements to deliver at least 10% of homes on major sites as affordable and at least 25% of affordable housing units secured through developer contributions to be First Homes has been removed. Delivery of First Homes can, however, continue where Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) judge that they meet local need.
Key reforms to planning system
Microsoft Cares About Your Privacy Microsoft and our third-party vendors use cookies to store and access information such as unique IDs to deliver, maintain and improve our services and ads. If you agree, MSN and Microsoft Bing will personalise the content and ads that you see. You can select ‘I Accept’ to consent to these uses or click on ‘Manage preferences’ to review your options and exercise your right to object to Legitimate Interest where used.
Tax Breaks for 529 College-Savings Plans Expand in GOP Tax Bill
College-savings accounts currently hold about $500 billion, and savers may soon be able to use these funds for much more than college. Little-noticed provisions in the massive tax-and-spending bill that the House of Representatives passed in May would greatly expand tax-free withdrawals from 529 accounts, as the popular plans are called. The bill is now before the Senate, which could alter the provisions. So far they haven’t garnered much controversy, however.
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