If you are considering installing a solar electric system or solar hot water system for your home, there are tax issues you should consider when making your decision. First of all, there is a very lucrative non-refundable federal tax credit for 30% of the cost of the system with no maximum. So for example, if the solar electric system cost you $20,000, your tax credit would be $6,000. A non-refundable tax credit offsets your tax liability, regular and alternative minimum, dollar for dollar, and any excess is added to any credit allowable in the subsequent year. [ read more ]

Yes. If you sign up for benefits before your full retirement age (age 66 for workers born in 1943 through 1954), your benefits will be reduced by as much as 25% for claiming early -- and reduced further if you earn more than a certain amount of money from a job or self-employment. (Investment earnings, pension benefits or withdrawals from an IRA or 401(k) don't count; pretax contributions to a 401(k) or other retirement plan do count if the amount is included in your gross wages.) [ read more ]

Click on any state in the map for a detailed summary of taxes on retirement income, property and purchases, as well as special tax breaks for seniors. See more maps, including the most tax-friendly and least tax-friendly states for retirees. [ read more ]