Article: Your Gift from the IRS for 2006: New Limits and Contribution Amounts

Recipe: Cheddar Potato Bake

Here are some of the changes in contributions and compensation limits that are in place for 2006:

IRA Contributions:

For those eligible, the 2006 maximum allowable contribution for a traditional IRA is $4000. This is the same for Roth IRA contributions as well. If you are age 50 or over, the "catch up" amount is an additional $1,000.

SEP Provisions:

For plan years beginning in 2006, the maximum compensation limit moves from $210,000 to $220,000

Maximum SEP Contributions for 2006 increase to $44,000 from $42,000, the limit in 2005.

Simple IRA Plans:

The non elective employer contribution wage base is $220,000.

Contribution limits for an employee remain at $10,000.

The "catch-up" provision for employees age 50 and over is $2500. This is up $500 from 2005.

401(k) Contribution Limits:

For 2006 the elective employee contribution is $15,000. This may also be subject to limitations under an employer plan. The "catch-up" provision is $5,000.

Social Security Wage Base: The new wage base is $94,200 up from $92,000 in 2005.

Annual Federal Gift Tax Exclusion:

Generosity increases $1,000 from 2005, with the new 2006 exclusion set at $12,000. In future years, this can again increase for inflation adjustments but only in $1,000 increments. It probably safe to say we won’t be seeing any increases for a while.

Federal Estate Tax Exclusion Amount:

This has moved from $1,500,000 in 2005 to $2,000,000 in 2006 and will remain level through 2008. This is still a hot potato in Washington, and what will eventually happen here is still very much up for grabs.

Glenn ("Chip") Dahlke, a senior contributor to the Living Trust Network, has 28 years in the investment business. He is a Registered Representative of Linsco/Private Ledger and a principal with Dahlke Financial Group. He is licensed to transact securities with persons who are residents of the following states: CA. CT, FL, GA, IL. MA, MD. ME, MI. NC, NH, NJ, NY.OR, PA, RI, VA, VT, WY.

If you have any questions or comments, Chip would love to hear from you. You may contact him by email at dahlkefinancial@sbcglobal.net. You may also contact him at the Living Trust Network's web site. Its URL is http://www.livingtrustnetwork.com.

Copyright 2005. Living Trust Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Paprika
1/2 medium Onion, chopped
2 cups sharp Cheddar Cheese
8 cups potatoes, peeled and sliced (1/4 inch thick)

In a large bowl:
Combine butter, soup, salt, pepper, paprika, onion, and 1 cup cheese. Add potatoes and toss to coat well.

In a large baking dish:
Arrange potato mixture and cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 400 degrees F. for one hour. Uncover and top with remaining cheese. Bake an additional 10-20 minutes or until fork tender. Makes 8-10 servings.

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