The Connections Warren-Watchung Edition February/March 2025

theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 48 Cell: Marissa Paolella 908-938-8232 marissa@paulanthonyagency.com To Inquire please contact our sales office at 908-754-1100 or any of our agents. Starting at $1,899,500 Ready To Buy Your Next Home? Come Preview the ENCLAVE AT BROOKSIDE • WARREN, NJ 9 Brookside Drive, Warren, $2,595,000 7 Bedrooms, 6.1 Bathrooms 7,282 Square Feet finished on all three levels he election is in the rear-view mirror and hopefully so is inflation. The new administration should be friendly for taxes and, hopefully, we will avoid the much-publicized sunset of significant tax provisions. A hidden benefit of inflation is that most tax income limits, deductions, and social security are indexed to inflation. For example, the joint standard deduction rises from $29,200 for 2024 to $30,000 for 2025, 401k for 2025 rises to $23,500 plus catch-up, and the annual gift tax exclusion rises from $18,000 in 2024 to $19,000 for the current year. The stock market posted its second consecutive year of sizeable gains. These market value increases and volatility may mean that some taxpayers will be met with an unpleasant surprise tax bill. It is expected that 1099’s will report outsized taxable capital gains. To avoid the issue, we help clients monitor and avoid excess capital gains. We have the capability to monitor investment income yeararound. Those who choose to use our integrated services have the added benefits of a single point of personal contact and the efficient, stress-free convenience that our office receives tax reporting documents electronically. Interest rates are in a tug of war. While the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates, Treasury bond market interest rates have increased. This has created an opportunity for the saver to realize higher interest rates for longer. Most interest is taxed as ordinary income at the highest marginal rate. Treasury interest is exempt from state tax. Municipal interest is exempt from federal tax, and, in certain circumstances, state tax as well. My appreciation for tax-free income is no secret. Municipal interest is also exempt from the annoying net investment tax. As the nation struggles over interest rates, push and pull over deficits, spending, and fiscal policy, we stand ready to provide clients insights into rates, leverage, and taxable equivalent yields. Serving successful individuals and closely held business for over 75 years! We are a small firm which provides big results. While larger CPA firms are abandoning the individual and family business, we at Shapiro CPAs continue to embrace it. We are accepting a select group of new clients this tax season. By choosing Shapiro CPAs, Shapiro CPAs, you will get better outcomes and confidence that your taxes are done right. Experienced CPAs are trained to improve accuracy, maximize deductions, and minimize tax liability. As a trusted advisor, Robert Shapiro, CPA and our skilled team can answer your questions and know what questions to ask you to accurately prepare your returns. As a boutique firm, benefits to our clients extend beyond tax season, with year-round personalized access. Stress-Free Tax Season Shapiro CPAs’ caring and experienced team guides clients to a stress-free tax season. We have provided proactive, individualized tax management along with timely and accurate preparation since 1937. Shapiro Shapiro CPAs are experienced and equipped to manage the complex needs of successful individuals and closely held businesses. As a local resident of the community, I enjoy providing timely and helpful information on a wide range of financial issues. I would welcome the opportunity to put my 40 years of unique experience to work for you. Contact me soon at 908-222-3770 or email me at rshapiro@shapirogrp.com. FINANCIALFORUM Inflation, Interest Rates & Invaluable Experience By Robert Shapiro CPA, ABV Shapiro CPAs individualized tax man agement along with time ly and accurate prepara tion since 1937. CPAs complex needs of success T

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