Overlooked Changes in Tax Law May Be "Pot of Gold," Say Steege and Siana

DOYLESTOWN, Pa.--(Business Wire)--
During the dot-com bubble of yesteryear, many investors found themselves socked
with a big alternative minimum tax (AMT) bill. The likely cause: exercising some
once lucrative incentive stock options (ISOs) that suddenly sank in value.

Now, Uncle Sam is trying to give the money back.

Here`s the reason: For many, the amount of AMT triggered by exercising ISOs
resulted in an AMT credit. When an AMT credit is generated in one year, it can
be used to lower tax bills in future years - and any unused AMT credit can be
carried forward indefinitely.

"The little-known refundable AMT credit could help a lot of personal bottom
lines," said Charles "Chuck" Steege, CFP,® recently, "it`s like the proverbial
`pot of gold`." As Executive Financial Coach and President of SFG Wealth
Planning Services, Inc. and SFG Investment Advisors, Inc., an SEC registered
investment advisor, Mr. Steege has been closely following the trajectory of AMT
regulatory changes. "In 2006," he added, "Congress decided to give some help to
folks with big unused AMT credits by making them refundable in certain
circumstances."

In fact, according to his colleague, Philip J. Siana, CPA, tax attorney, and
Principal of Porzio, Bromberg & Newman P.C., "You can even collect a refundable
AMT credit for a year when you owe no federal income tax at all."

Overlooking beneficial tax law changes like the AMT refund can send additional
dollars to Washington unnecessarily - to the detriment of tax payers. That`s why
Mr. Steege and Mr. Siana decided to highlight the AMT refund, state tax issues,
Roth IRA conversions and other tax-time topics during a series of three
lunch-time webinars in July and August called The Golden Summer Of 2009:
Uncovering The Fortune That Lies Hidden In Executive Compensation.

The first two webinars will concentrate on the wealth accumulation phase of an
individual`s career, while the third webinar will stress best practices for
using wealth for the benefit of the individual, their family and their
philanthropies. "We picked the summer because we find that our clients liked
thinking about their money when they are relaxed and comfortable," Mr. Siana
said, "perhaps, with a cool drink at their elbow."

Each webinar is scheduled for a half-hour at 12 p.m. EDT on three consecutive
Wednesdays: July 29th, August 5th, and 12th. Over the years, the two wealth
management colleagues have collaborated on a number of complex engagements for
high net worth individuals. Mr. Steege, a financial advisor, and Mr. Siana, an
estate attorney, plan to lead their webinar audience through a discussion of
AMTs and incentive stock options for the first webinar topic; then focus on
Non-Qualified Options (NQOs), vesting, state and other tax issues; and finally
concentrate on Roth conversions and legacy planning topics for the final
session.

Regardless of whether an interested party is at the beach or sitting behind a
desk, the webinars are aimed at any individual with $1 million and up in
investable assets, as well as human resource directors who may wish to learn
more about preparing employees to cope with the complex and timely decisions
that underpin much of executive compensation. Fifty openings are available and
attendance is on a first come, first served basis.

To participate in The Golden Summer of 2009: Uncovering the Fortune That Lies
Hidden in Executive Compensation, interested individuals are invited to
register. Please register by clicking on the dates you want: July 29, August 5
and August 12.

Mr. Steege said, "There is still time to file for a refundable AMT credit. If
anyone has opted for a late filing for their 2008 Form 1040, they may get cash
back right now. If they`ve already filed a 2008 return but were unaware of the
refundable AMT credit, they can file an amended 2008 return (using Form 1040X)
to get cash back."

How difficult is it for a tax payer to get an AMT refunded?

"All they have to do is breathe," Mr. Siana replied.

SFG Wealth Planning Services, Inc.
Charles "Chuck" Steege, CFP®
Executive Financial Coach and President
215-345-5601
or
Porzio Bromberg & Newman P.C.
Philip J. Siana
Principal
973-889-4149

Copyright Business Wire 2009