There is a great deal of confusion over the Big Beautiful Bill Act’s (BBBA) impact on Social Security taxes. Some even claim the Act eliminates Social Security taxes entirely. Does it?The short answer is no. In fact, Social Security benefits, per se, are not subject to federal taxation at all. However, when...
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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Converting a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA
If you are considering the conversion of a Traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, there are a number of factors to consider. Let's begin by looking at some key differences between these two retirement accounts.With a Traditional IRA, contributions may be tax deductible in the year(s) they are made. Taxes don’t have...
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Impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on Medicaid Support for In-Home and Nursing Home Care
The Big, Beautiful Bill was signed into law on the Fourth of July. The bill’s “beauty” is open to debate, but it is clearly big, both in size (over 800 pages) and scope. In this article I will focus on how the new law’s Medicaid cuts may affect in-home and nursing home...
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Don’t Fall Victim to This Scam!
I’d like to warn you about a scam taking place in our area. It involves an offer to obtain copies of documents from the Registry of Deeds. Here’s what you need to know: When we file client documents at the Registry of Deeds, an unscrupulous company writes to these clients with an offer to...
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Why You May Want to Complete a Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) Form
A MOLST form allows patients with a serious advanced illness to inform health care professionals about the medical treatments they want or don’t want in a serious illness care situation. These treatments can include intubation and ventilation, artificial nutrition and hydration, CPR, and more.A MOLST form is not the same as a health...
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Please Join Us for an Elder Law Class
Please join us to learn what documents are crucial to protecting your health wishes and estate planning. Offered at the Hull Senior Center, sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Association in celebration of Law Day, with generous assistance from the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
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Join Us for an Evening of Q&A on Aging in Place
***To RSVP, see the yellow highlight below.***
Estate Planning for Families with Accessory Dwelling Units
Last time I discussed how a new law has simplified the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and how ADUs can help elders and people with disabilities live at home for as long as possible. I am so excited about the possibilities this opens for elders and disabled persons...
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New Law Makes It Easier to Build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Massachusetts
The cost of housing has skyrocketed nationwide, and the problem is particularly acute in Massachusetts. Fortunately, the Affordable Homes Act, signed into law by Governor Healey last August, allows property owners to build an ADU without having to get special or discretionary approval from the local zoning board. The...
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Understanding the Social Security Fairness Act—and Who Benefits from It
Great news for certain retirees in Massachusetts and across the country! The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), which was signed into law by former President Biden, eliminates rules that reduced Social Security benefits for certain retirees receiving income from public pensions. Nearly three million teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public sector...
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