Mercer Advisors
Sharing Knowledge

Tax Tips & Tricks

Tax Planning Article

Before You Sell Your Home, Consider This Tax Strategy

Converting your home to a short-term rental before you sell can pair a cost segregation study with the Section 121 exclusion. Here’s how it works.

Retirement Guide

Retirement Tax Planning: A Year-Round Guide to Help Keep More of What You’ve Built

A comprehensive retirement tax planning guide covering Roth conversions, RMDs, IRMAA, Social Security taxation, QCDs, and tax-loss harvesting strategies for retirees.

Tax Planning Article

The New Math of Charitable Giving Tax Deductions

New 2026 charitable giving tax deduction rules changed the math. Learn how the AGI floor, the 35% cap, and DAFs reshape your year-end giving strategy.

Retirement Article

How SECURE 2.0 Is Reshaping Your Retirement Savings Options

The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 introduced significant updates to retirement savings rules — automatic enrollment, emergency savings accounts, and enhanced catch-up contribution limits — that can meaningfully change how you plan for the future.

Estate Planning Article

Illinois Estate Tax: What High-Net-Worth Families Need To Know

Illinois’ $4 million estate tax exemption, far below the $15 million federal threshold, can expose high-net-worth families to unexpected state tax bills without proactive planning.

Team having a discussion in a meeting
Tax Planning Article

Taxes and Wealth Management: Better Together With a Unified Team

Our integrated tax and wealth management teams work together year-round, delivering coordinated planning that helps reduce surprises and tax liability.

Couple discussing retirement
Retirement Article

HSA: A Retirement Account You’re Probably Underusing

Are you underusing your health savings account? Learn how an HSA’s triple tax advantage can become one of your most powerful retirement planning tools.

Tax Planning Article

Trump Accounts and Gift Tax: What Parents Need to Know

The IRS established a safe harbor for qualifying Trump Account contributions — but complex giving situations require careful planning.

Man monitoring assets on computer screen
Investment Management Article

Using Stock Swaps to Exercise Employee Stock Options

Learn how stock swaps (pyramiding) may offer a tax-efficient way to exercise employee stock options, manage cash flow, and optimize your equity compensation.

Estate Planning Article

Minnesota Estate Planning: Strategies for Your Legacy

Minnesota residents face a $3 million estate tax with no spousal portability. Discover trust strategies, lifetime gifting, and tools designed to preserve your legacy.

Estate Planning Article

Oregon Estate Tax: What Property Owners Should Know

Oregon imposes estate tax above $1 million — well below federal levels. Learn strategies for residents and non-residents to manage exposure.

Estate Planning Article

Basis Step-Up Strategies for Estate Planning

The basis step up rule is a powerful estate planning tool that can wipe out capital gains tax on inherited assets. Learn how it works and when it applies.

Tax Planning Article

IRMAA vs. Social Security Tax: What’s the Difference?

Discover the difference between IRMAA and Social Security tax. Learn strategies to help manage your Medicare premiums and optimize your retirement income.

FAQs
Tax Planning FAQ

Is a cost segregation study worth the cost for a converted home?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

How does this compare with holding the home for a step-up in basis?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

How does converting a home to a rental compare with selling it directly?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

What’s the difference between the Section 121 exclusion and a 1031 exchange?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

How do I report depreciation recapture when selling a converted rental property?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

Where do I check whether short-term rentals are allowed at my address?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

Where can I find help evaluating a home conversion tax strategy?

See the answer
Tax Planning FAQ

Do I have to manage the rental myself?

See the answer

Further Learning

Investment Management Article

Insights from Our CIO: Diversify Broadly, Both Across and Within Global Asset Classes

The economic science behind why diversifying broadly across and within global asset classes is a core investing principle at Mercer Advisors.

Financial Planning Article

What Comprehensive Financial Planning Can Do for You

Learn what comprehensive financial planning is and how connecting cash flow, taxes, investments, retirement, estate, and insurance can help you reach your goals.

Listen
Retirement Podcast

Episode 527 – Trump Accounts

Bryan Strike joins us to explain Trump Accounts: eligibility, the $1,000 seed, contribution limits, and how they compare to 529 plans for kids’ futures.

Ship in canal
Market Commentary Article

Insights From Our CIO: The Iran War’s Impact on Markets Six Months In

CIO Don Calcagni shares an overview of how long-term investors should view the Iran war after six months.

About Mercer Advisors

We exist so you don’t have to worry about money. For more than 40 years, we’ve taken the sophisticated, time-tested approach that many ultra-high net worth individuals use to help manage their financial lives and made it accessible to more families.

Explore Our Solutions

Financial Planning
Estate Planning
Tax Planning & Preparation
Insurance Solutions
Investment Management
Trustee Services

Want to learn more about Mercer Advisors?

Let’s Talk