Tax Planning

A ROTH IRA Strategy for High Income Earners

Do you have a 401k Plan from your current employer?  Does it allow you to make after tax contributions (these are different than pretax contributions and Roth 401k contributions)?  If the answer to both is “yes”, a recent IRS notice may present a welcome opportunity.  IRS Notice 2014-54 has provided guidance (positive guidance) allowing the splitting of after tax 401k contributions to a ROTH IRA. Although I believe that ROTH IRAs are used in many less than ideal situations, this is one strategy that can make sense for higher income earners; tax diversification and getting money into a ROTH without a big upfront tax cost. 

After answering “yes” to the first two questions, the next question is, “Are you making maximum contributions on a pretax basis?”  That is, if you are under 50 years old, are you contributing $17,500 and if you are over 50 (the new 30) $23,000? If you are making the maximum contribution, then a second look at after tax contributions should be considered.  Whew – that’s three hoops to jump through – but the benefits might just be worth it.

Putting Notice 2014-54 to Work

For example, Teddy, age 50 has a 401k plan and contributes $23,000 (includes the catch up contribution) and his employer matches $5,000 for a total of $28,000.  Teddy’s plan also allows for after tax contributions and he may contribute $29,000 more up to an IRS limit of $57,000. 

The new IRS Notice makes it clear and simplifies the process allowing this after tax amount at retirement to be rolled into a ROTH IRA.

The bottom line:  It is more attractive to make after tax contributions to your 401k with the flexibility of converting the basis to a ROTH at retirement or separation of employment without the tax hit of an ordinary Roth conversion.

As usual, the nuances are plentiful and your specific circumstances will determine whether this strategy is best for you.  To that end, we are here to help evaluate the opportunity with you.

Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD is the Managing Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to national media including appearances on Good Morning America Weekend Edition and WDIV Channel 4 News and published articles including Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. A leader in his profession, Tim served on the National Board of Directors for the 28,000 member Financial Planning Association™ (FPA®), trained and mentored hundreds of CFP® practitioners and is a frequent speaker to organizations and businesses on various financial planning topics.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. C14-033701

Is the Saver’s Credit one of the IRS’ best-kept secrets?

Saving money is tough.  There are so many ways in life to spend money and you can easily find excuses for not contributing to a 401k or an IRA.  But what if someone gave you money at the end of the year as a “reward” for doing the smart thing and saving for retirement?  Would that entice you to begin saving?  Enter what’s known as the “Saver’s Credit” to help you do just that!

What is the Saver’s Credit?

The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (aka the Saver’s Credit) was enacted in 2001 as part of President Bush’s tax cuts, however, many folks are simply not aware it exists.  The Saver’s Credit applies to contributions made to qualified retirement plans (401k, 403b, 457) or to a Roth IRA or Traditional IRA.  To qualify for the credit, adjusted gross income (AGI) must be below $60,000 for married couples or $30,000 for single filers.  The maximum credit available is $1,000 and is a non-refundable credit. For more details check out the IRS website.

A Tax Credit vs. A Tax Deduction

A tax credit is typically more beneficial than a tax deduction, especially for those with income within the required parameters.  For example, if you’re in the 15% tax bracket and received a $1,000 tax deduction, the true tax reduction would be about $150 ($1,000 x 15%).  A tax credit, on the other hand, is a dollar for dollar reduction of tax liability.  For example, if you received the $1,000 maximum “Saver’s Credit” and your total tax liability on the year was $3,000; you would only owe $2,000 in tax. 

How do I claim the Saver’s Credit?

If you fit the AGI parameters, you need to complete form 8800.  Make sure your tax professional or tax software program is generating this form for you to make sure you are taking advantage of the credit.  Many tax software programs that offer free services are for very simple returns (1040EZ), so always be sure that the type of return you are purchasing will, in fact, allow you to take the deductions and credits that are applicable to your situation.

Who can take advantage of this tax credit?

Personally, I see this as a great opportunity for recent college graduates who are entering the work force and have “retirement savings” as number 24 on their “top 25 ways to use my paycheck”.  Many are starting off earning an income that falls within the range to take advantage of the credit and are just simply not aware that this incentive exists to save for retirement.  This is also a great opportunity for parents or grandparents to consider gifting to the young adult so they can take advantage of the credit if they simply cannot afford to make any type of retirement contribution currently.  One stipulation the parent or grandparent may put on the gift is that any added tax refund from the credit needs to be re-deposited into a retirement account.  It’s a great way to begin good savings habits that will hopefully last a lifetime!

Need more information on how to put this tax credit to work for you? Please contact me and we’ll take a look at your personal case to see if the Saver’s Credit is an option.

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™ at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered and Center Connections.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Consult a tax professional for any tax matters. C14-023683

Tips to Help Avoid a Tax Audit

Nothing gets the blood pumping like a notice from the IRS letting you know you’re in for a tax audit.  According to Kipplinger Magazine, there are signs some tax payers are more susceptible to audits than others. 

Here are some red flags for the IRS:

  1. High income: Incomes over $200,000 are 26% more likely to be audited, as well as one in nine persons earning over $1 million dollars.

  2. Failing to report all taxable income:  Tax payers forget the IRS gets copies of all 1099’s and a mismatch sends a red flag.

  3. Taking large charitable deductions:  Be sure you know the rules regarding various kinds of charitable gifts and you can document not only the amounts given but the charities as well.

  4. Business write-offs: Deducting business meals, travel and other expenses.  Again, there are guidelines on what you may and may not deduct—be sure to follow them.

  5. Claiming 100% business use of vehicle:  Very few workers use their car for business all the time.

  6. Taking alimony deductions:  These deductions can only be taken when made part of a separation or divorce decree---not arbitrarily.

  7. Running a small business:  The IRS is well aware there are many opportunities for tax deductions but again the rules are precise—follow them.

  8. Failing to report a foreign bank account:  New rules have gone into effect in 2014. Foreign bank accounts will require registrations and will be reported to the IRS.

  9. Engaging in currency transactions:  Cash deposits and withdrawals over $10,000 are reported—be ready to explain.

  10. Taking higher than average deductions:  The IRS has estimated percentages of deductions they deem “average” for various income levels.  If your deductions fall outside these estimates, be ready to explain.

If you have any of the above deductions, have detailed documentation on the what, when and why of your deductions.  Good record keeping can help make the audit go away as easily as it was announced.

This material is being provided for information purposes only and is not a complete description, nor is it a recommendation. The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but Raymond James does not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. C14-022520

Is 40 the “Magic” Age for Financial Planning?

When is Financial Planning, on your own or with the help of a professional, appropriate? The correct answer is you should probably begin saving the first day that you receive your first paycheck.  However, in my 23 years of experience, folks tend to get “serious” about planning near the age of 40.  I do not by any means want to discourage anyone younger than 40 to put off planning until they hit that “magic” 40 milestone. Just about anyone that has achieved financial success will tell you to start as early as possible.

Some questions and issues that the 40+ crowd might consider: 

  • How much should I be saving? I have heard rules of thumb such as 10% or 20% but what does that mean for me and my specific goals?

  • I’m busy. What are the options to pay bills other than the standard envelope and stamp method?

  • Life insurance: Salespeople have been hounding me for years to buy life insurance. I couldn’t afford it in the past and secretly didn’t see the value, but I’m ready now. What type and amount should I get to protect my family so I am not insurance rich and cash poor?

  • College: My kids are getting closer to college age. How do I pay the ever-increasing tuition?

  • I am ready to invest my wealth. What are best options for me?  Should I max out my 401k or 403b or is a ROTH a better option?

  • Estate planning: I’m all grow’d up now and ready (I think) to consider a Will and perhaps a Living Trust. How do I know which one I need?

  • My parents are aging and I am not sure if they have the resources for their care. What should I be doing now to prepare or help them prepare?

  • I have heard about the “Boomerang kids” phenomenon. Should I move to a one bedroom condo now?

  • Employer retirement plans (401k/403b): Whoa, I have real money now! How should it be invested?

  • I give to charities that are making a difference in the world. Is there a way to maximize my donations and perhaps even get a tax break?

  • Income taxes: I don’t mind paying … I just don’t want to pay a cent more than my share. How can I limit my income tax exposure?

  • If I choose to work with a professional financial planner whom should I contact? I have not have worked with a professional advisor yet so I am a bit leery, and maybe even a bit scared to share my financial picture (not sure how I stack up with others).

If you’ve been asking yourself some of these questions, no matter your age, you are ready to get “serious” about your financial life.  Think about some of the issues and questions that you find yourself facing and feel free to give me an email. If my 23 years of working with similar folks can be of help, I’d love to share my insight because you don’t need to wait for some “magic” age.

Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD is the Managing Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to national media including appearances on Good Morning America Weekend Edition and WDIV Channel 4 News and published articles including Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. A leader in his profession, Tim served on the National Board of Directors for the 28,000 member Financial Planning Association™ (FPA®), trained and mentored hundreds of CFP® practitioners and is a frequent speaker to organizations and businesses on various financial planning topics.

C14-019069

Tax Update: Borrowing from Retirement to Buy a Home

There may come a time in your life when you simply need some money. As a general rule, taking money from an IRA, 401k, or other retirement plan for “non-retirement” purposes is ill advised.  However, there can be some exceptions.  Perhaps you bought a home without selling your current one and need funds to bridge the closing dates.  The IRS allows you to withdraw funds from an IRA and avoid income taxes and a 10% penalty (if under age 59.5) by rolling the money back into the IRA within 60 days.  This can be done once every 12 months. The gray area had been whether the 12-month rollover applies to each separate IRA or to all of your IRAs. In February 2014 a court ruling stated that this rule applies on an aggregate basis for all of your IRAs.  Therefore, the strategy can still be used, but proper planning will be even more important in order to make sure the transaction is nontaxable.

Timothy Wyman, CFP®, JD is the Managing Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and is a frequent contributor to national media including appearances on Good Morning America Weekend Edition and WDIV Channel 4 News and published articles including Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. A leader in his profession, Tim served on the National Board of Directors for the 28,000 member Financial Planning Association™ (FPA®), trained and mentored hundreds of CFP® practitioners and is a frequent speaker to organizations and businesses on various financial planning topics.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. C14-011297

Sharing Your Tax Documents with Your Financial Planner

Dear Diary,

In 2013, I worked hard and got that raise I was hoping for. But when it came to filing taxes …

I like to refer to a tax return as a “financial diary”.It contains so much valuable and personal financial information – how much you made last year working, capital gains/loss, interest, dividends, IRA distributions, Social Security benefits, pension benefits, taxable income, your marginal vs. effective tax rate, just to name a few.All of these items help guide us throughout the year to make strategic investment and planning recommendations, based on your current and projected tax situation.As financial planners, we look at your return as a “diary” of what happened in your financial life last year that could help us take advantage of planning opportunities in the future. We do not let taxes be the sole driver in any investment or financial planning decision, however, as comprehensive advisors; tax planning is an integral part of our process of determining what financial choices will benefit you the most.

A team approach adds value for clients

We partner with many tax professionals to keep us all on the same page.By coordinating with other experts, we work as a team to better serve you, our clients.For example, if we are considering completing a Roth IRA conversion for a client, we will contact the client’s tax advisor to get his or her opinion on the conversion and estimate any tax liability or other ramifications.With so many moving parts in financial planning, being able to speak to other experts is key to providing great service and value to clients.

Sharing your “diary” made simple

Because taxes are such an important part of financial planning, we request that clients send us their most recent return once completed each year.Typically, this is something most clients will send to us prior to their annual meeting, however, the sooner we can get them, the better.This allows us to spend more time taking a closer look at the return to see if there are any potential planning opportunities that we can help uncover.We also now have the option for clients to sign a form that authorizes us to contact your CPA or tax advisor directly to have them send us your return once filed to save you any time and hassle it may create.Our goal is to take as much off your plate as possible to make life easier on you.

If you ever have questions on your tax situation or would like to speak to us in greater detail about financial planning, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a Support Associate at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered and Center Connections.

You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Avoiding Double Taxation of IRA Contributions

In my previous blogI described some of the rules surrounding making and deducting IRA contributions.   If you are over the IRS income thresholds, you can still make the IRA contribution, you just won’t be able to deduct it on your taxes – the contribution would be made with after-tax dollars.  This is where tax form 8606 comes into play. 

What is Tax Form 8606?

You are required to file Form 8606 when you make a non-deductible IRA contribution; this tax form will document the contribution amount for the current year.  It must also be filed with your taxes when you withdraw funds from an IRA in which non-deductible contributions were made.  If you don’t file this important tax form, when you go to withdraw funds you’ll face tax consequences. Any amount you contributed that did not receive a tax deduction (after-tax dollar contributions) will be treated as if it did, in fact, receive a tax-deduction and you will be taxed AGAIN on the money.  If you do file form 8606 properly, when you go to take a distribution, a portion will be taxable (any earnings) and a portion will not (return of original after-tax contribution). 

Is your head spinning yet?  Things get confusing quickly and mistakes can happen VERY easily when making non-deductible IRA contributions. Those mistakes could potentially result in double taxation of contributions that could cost investors substantial amounts of money over the course of their retirement.   Not many people want to deal with tracking contributions over the course of a career and will elect to not make non-deductible IRA contributions because of the potential administrative nightmare it can create.  

Non-deductible IRA Alternatives

So what else is there if you have additional funds to invest beyond maxing out a company retirement plan?  If your income is within the IRS limits, you could consider contributing to a Roth IRA.  As with a non-deductible IRA, contributions are made with after-tax dollars. However, all withdrawals, including earnings are not taxable if a qualified distribution occurs.  If income is too high for Roth contributions, you still might be able to contribute by utilizing the “back door” conversion strategy.  If you are phased out from the Roth because of your high income (a good problem to have!) and you don’t fit the mold for a Roth conversion, you could consider opening a taxable brokerage account. Those funds would not grow tax-deferred, but withdrawals would not be included in ordinary income like an IRA because you never received a tax deduction on the contributions.   

As you can see, there are many subtle nuances of different types of retirement and investment accounts.  Your planner can help you identify which accounts make the most sense for you based on your current and projected financial situation.  Working with someone you trust thoroughly to help you make these decisions is imperative and is something we deeply care about at The Center.

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a Support Associate at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered and Center Connections.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59 ½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Converting a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA has tax implications. Changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person’s situation. As Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax matters. You should discuss tax matters with the appropriate professional. C14-009867

Why You Can’t Always Take a Tax Deduction on an IRA

On deadline day for filing your taxes, you may be considering making last-minute Traditional IRA contribution.  Most people contribute to an IRA to 1) save for retirement and 2) take a tax deduction on the contribution to hopefully lower one’s overall tax bill.  Many people, however, are not aware that there is a good chance that the IRA contribution they are intending to make or have made in the past, does not allow for a tax deduction. This happens if you are above IRS adjusted gross income (AGI) thresholds.  Eligibility to deduct depends on income and whether or not you are covered under an employer sponsored retirement plan, such as 401k or 403b.

Married Filing Jointly

Both spouses are covered under an employer sponsored retirement plan at work

  • Income limit to be able to fully deduct an IRA contribution - $96,000

Only one spouse is covered under an employer sponsored retirement plan at work

  • Income limit to be able to fully deduct an IRA contribution - $181,000

Neither spouse is covered under an employer sponsored retirement plan at work

  • No income limit to be able to fully deduct an IRA contribution

Single

Individual is covered under an employer sponsored retirement plan at work

  • Income limit to be able to fully deduct an IRA contribution - $60,000

Individual is not covered under an employer sponsored retirement plan at work

  • No income limit to be able to fully deduct an IRA contribution

There’s a reason the IRS limits the amount that can be deducted by someone who is covered under an employer retirement plan. The IRS tries to prohibit investors who are in higher tax brackets from sheltering “too much” income that won’t be taxed until funds are ultimately withdrawn upon retirement. 

You must also have earned income equal to or greater than the IRA contribution being made during the year in which the contribution will be coded.  For example, for someone to be eligible to make a full IRA contribution, their earned income from work throughout the year must be greater than or equal to $5,500, if under the age of 50, or $6,500 if over the age of 50.  Another important note – Social Security, pension benefits, IRA distributions, dividends, interest, etc. are NOT considered earned income items.  The IRS prevents retirees from contributing to qualified retirement accounts that grow tax-deferred unless they are working. 

In my next blog post, I’ll discuss ins and outs of contributing and withdrawing funds from an IRA where non-deductible contributions were made…this is where things can tricky.  Stay tuned. 

Nick Defenthaler, CFP® is a Support Associate at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Nick currently assists Center planners and clients, and is a contributor to Money Centered and Center Connections.

The information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Please note, changes in tax laws may occur at any time and could have a substantial impact upon each person’s situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. C14-009199

5 Steps to Being Cautious While Still Taking Life’s Chances

In the arena of finance, risk is inherent.  Think about the risks you take everyday. When it comes to investment expectations there is always the risk that the outcome will be different than anticipated. When it comes to the income your family depends upon, there is always the risk of job loss. When it comes to budgeting, there is always the risk of inflation, which could leave you without enough to keep up with the rising cost of things around you. When it comes to your family, there is always the risk that someone could face a health challenge or a long-term illness.

Learning About Risk

After 25 years working with people, I have seen families lose children and grandchildren to tragedy.  I have witnessed divorce and marriage and have seen first-hand financial windfall and destruction. Helping clients through all this has helped me gain a better understanding of risk tolerance and realize that risk preferences vary greatly.  Most people want to avoid risk as much as possible, but many have to learn that the hard way.  Remember your first loss? The big one? How did it affect you? If it was truly the big one, then it made you sit up and take notice.  It left an impression on you and your decisions.  And it may have given you a deeper understanding of what risk really means.

5 Steps to Managing Risk

Despite the fact that we all must learn to live with risk, there are steps we can take to help mitigate the downside when it comes to financial planning:

  1. Diversification, asset allocation and rebalancing: While this won’t make you rich quick, it should help reduce overall portfolio volatility.

  2. Insurance: For a relatively small cost you can provide for the safety of a young and growing family for many years and provide protection in case of premature death or disability.

  3. Emergency Funds: Always maintain the appropriate emergency balance for your situation.  A simple rule of thumb is 3-6 months of expenses. Then you may want to consider choosing investments that are marketable and liquid for your taxable portfolios.

  4. Long-term Care Insurance: To avoid a catastrophic financial blow if a spouse develops a long-term illness and needs expensive health assistance, consider long-term care insurance when you’re in your late 50s.

  5. Estate Planning:  By taking just a few minutes to write out a plan, there’s a better chance of things happening as you wish. Write a holographic will (handwritten and signed) or go to your state website and pull off the appropriate documents (like wills, powers of attorney, patient advocate designations, etc.). Complete them or set up a meeting with an estate planning attorney to help you with this process. 

If you need help getting started with any of these steps or making a personal plan to help you prepare for life’s inherent risks, contact me at matthew.chope@centerfinplan.com.

Matthew E. Chope, CFP ® is a Partner and Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. Matt has been quoted in various investment professional newspapers and magazines. He is active in the community and his profession and helps local corporations and nonprofits in the areas of strategic planning and money and business management decisions. In 2012 and 2013, Matt was named to the Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine.

Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served.

Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute investment advice. Any opinions are those of Center for Financial Planning, Inc. and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Diversification and asset allocation do not ensure a profit or protection against loss. Rebalancing a non-retirement account could be a taxable event that may increase your tax liability. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. C14-005525

6 Tips for Your Tax Return

This March, in honor of Women’s History Month, I’d like to share a little about Muriel Siebert, a legend on Wall Street and a trailblazer for women.  In 1967, she was the first woman to buy a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. This accomplishment, as well as her other successful business ventures and philanthropic activities, helped to expand opportunities for women in finance. 

As March exits and we transition to April, many of us are busy with tax preparation leading up to the April 15th deadline for filing. Now is the time to follow the trailblazing example of Muriel Siebert and blaze a path to your own financial independence. Are you getting a refund?

Here are some tips to help you make the most of this once in a year windfall:

  • Ask why you have a refund.  Did you pay too much in the first place? Has something changed in your financial picture? Or is it a forced saving strategy?

  • Set some aside. Treat the refund as income and save a minimum of 15% for longer-term goals that are important to you.

  • Pay down debt obligations. Especially credit card debt or student loan debt with high interest charges.

  • Not maxing out your 401k? A strategy for reducing future taxes is to increase your 401k contribution and then set aside the current refund to help with monthly cash flow if needed.

  • Are you saving for college educations? If additional funds are needed, use the refund to put savings goals back on track.

  • Splurge! Set it aside for gifts, vacations and other lifestyle choices.

As Women’s History month comes to an end and April  15th approaches, celebrate your commitment to making the most of your financial opportunities. Take a look back at the success you have experienced along the way and continue to step forward into your financial plan for the future.

Laurie Renchik, CFP®, MBA is a Partner and Senior Financial Planner at Center for Financial Planning, Inc. In addition to working with women who are in the midst of a transition (career change, receiving an inheritance, losing a life partner, divorce or remarriage), Laurie works with clients who are planning for retirement. Laurie was named to the 2013 Five Star Wealth Managers list in Detroit Hour magazine, is a member of the Leadership Oakland Alumni Association and in addition to her frequent contributions to Money Centered, she manages and is a frequent contributor to Center Connections at The Center.

Five Star Award is based on advisor being credentialed as an investment advisory representative (IAR), a FINRA registered representative, a CPA or a licensed attorney, including education and professional designations, actively employed in the industry for five years, favorable regulatory and complaint history review, fulfillment of firm review based on internal firm standards, accepting new clients, one- and five-year client retention rates, non-institutional discretionary and/or non-discretionary client assets administered, number of client households served. C14-006593