Year-End Considerations

While year-round tax planning is important, you may find extra benefits by gathering all your tax-related facts as the year ends. You may, for example, have a clearer picture of your capital gains and losses, as many mutual fund companies issue distribution estimates by mid-December. The end of the year is a fine time to:

• Examine your portfolio's asset allocation
• Rebalance your portfolio, if warranted
• Assess holdings (Are they performing as expected?)
• Add up tax-loss harvesting possibilities
• Max out contributions to 401(k)s or other tax-advantaged retirement accounts
• Make last-minute charitable donations
• Pay deductible taxes for 2014 early, if it helps reduce adjusted gross income
• If the alternative minimum tax applies to you, take AMT-appropriate actions

Investors should consult a tax professional about their specific situation.

The information provided in these web pages is based on internal and external sources believed reliable; however, the accuracy and completeness of the information is not guaranteed and the figures may have changed since the time of printing. Examples are hypothetical illustrations and not intended to reflect the actual performance of any particular security. Please consult your tax advisor for questions relating to your individual situation.