Getaway

from Deer Valley Times, February 2020

City News

Arizona's West Coast GETAWAY TO WESTERN ARIZONA

LAKE HAVASU

Way out west, along the Colorado River, the “west coast” of Arizona stretches from north of Hoover Dam to just south of Yuma and the border of Mexico. Although the summers can be even hotter than Phoenix, winter is a great time of year to visit, and the Colorado River and Lake Havasu provide a cool getaway for every water enthusiast all year round. Here are a few places we recommend you check out when you head for Western Arizona.

LAKE MEAD AND THE HOOVER DAM

Built in 1936, the Hoover Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric power facilities in the country today and provides hydroelectric power to Arizona, California, and Nevada. One of the Seven Wonders of the Industrial World, the immense dam spans the Black Canyon between Arizona and Nevada, creating Lake Mead along the Colorado River. Visitors can see the dam up close by driving down a winding road into the canyon and parking to take a tour of the historic art deco structure.

The byproduct of this fantastic feat of engineering is 700 miles of Lake Mead shoreline, an attraction for water and outdoor recreation enthusiasts of all kinds. Lake Mead National Recreation Area was the nations first designated recreation area, providing 1.5 million acres of preserved recreational space

By Jill “MamaBug” Frier

across mountains, canyons, valleys, wilderness areas, and two lakes, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave.

ROUTE 66 AND GRAND CANYON WEST

A bit further south as you head down I-40, you find many areas of the highway that run right along the historic Route 66, including Kingman, considered to be the heart of Route 66. Tiny towns a little east of Kingman also give you a taste of the historic Route 66, like Peach Springs or Seligman, the “Birthplace of Historic Route 66.”

Grand Canyon West is located on the Hualapai Reservation and is not part of the Grand Canyon National Park. Grand Canyon West has two main locations: The West Rim, which is accessible from State Route 93 on the way to the Hoover Dam and Lake Mead, is the site of the Skywalk over the Grand Canyon. The second location is Peach Springs, located along a well-preserved stretch of the historic Route 66 and is the gateway to beautiful Havasu Falls at the bottom of the canyon.

LAKE HAVASU

Further down the Colorado River on Arizona’s border, along Highway 95, you will find the world-famous London Bridge, now a permanent resident of Lake Havasu City. Located on the eastern shore of Lake Havasu, on the Colorado River border of California and Arizona, this area attracts visitors with its 50 miles of pristine lake and river waterways, laid-back community, and ideal climate for people who love the water and outdoors. Lake Havasu is also home to the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge and many undeveloped wilderness areas along the Colorado River.

YUMA

About two hours south of Lake Havasu and Parker, you’ll find Yuma, a frequent stopping point for travelers between Phoenix and San Diego. As one of the easiest spots to cross the Colorado River, Yuma developed a unique and exciting history in the Old West Arizona Territory. Visitors can also enjoy the cool waters of the river nestled in the mountainous Sonoran Desert, play in the sand dunes, and visit many historic sites throughout the city. Whether you visit the famed Yuma Territorial Prison or the Colorado River State Historic Park, you’ll enjoy a visit to the southernmost point on Arizona’s West Coast.

Western Arizona is a great place to visit this time of year, when desert temperatures are mild and sunny. The cool Colorado River provides outdoor adventures, rich history, and natural wonders to experience. Take some time to check out the local favorites in each area, and be sure to check LadybugsBlog.com for more ideas for great places to getaway and visit in Arizona!

2019 TAX YEAR... KNOW BEFORE YOU FILE

By William Spar, ARP

As early as it is into 2020, people are already thinking about tax time - and with good reason, as April 15th will be here soon! But armed with some information, there is no need to dread tax day. Here are some of the more important items to be aware of and what to take advantage of this tax season.

The big new law to note that affects virtually every retirement-saver in America (especially if you have money inside of an IRA), is the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancements Act) of 2019. The condensed version of this new law is that it dramatically affects how your money is spent after you pass away, which forces you to spend it faster, regardless of your wishes.

There are solutions to overcome and take advantage of this, including:

1) You have until “Tax Day” to make a contribution to your IRA for either the 2019 or the 2020 tax year. For both a Traditional as well as the ROTH IRA, the contribution limits are $5,500 if age 49 or younger, and an $1,000 additional “catch-up” provision if aged 50 and older.

2) Take advantage of a Health Savings Account (“HSA”) - these are tax-advantaged savings vehicles that help people with high-deductible health care plans set money aside on a tax-favorable basis for “out of pocket medical expenses.” The Contribution Limits are $3,500 each for Individuals or $7,000 for a family. Contributions to an HSA are tax deductible (it’s right on the first page of your 1040 form as an adjustment to income). You don’t even have to mark them as an itemized deduction for medical expenses. 3) Take advantage of Tax Credits. Tax Credits reduce the amount of income you owe the IRS. Common credits are the Earned Income Tax Credit, The Child Tax Credit or the American Opportunity Tax Credit for students or parents in college. 4) File an extension. Should you need more time to file your tax return, filing an extension can help. It does not, however, negate the responsibility to pay your debt by April 15 of each year.

5) Be sure to take advantage of the right deduction strategy. Deductions are the expenses you incur throughout each year that you are allowed to deduct (subtract) from your Taxable Income. You’ll either “itemize” your deductions (adding-up your actual 2019 receipts) OR you’ll choose the Standard Deduction with a “pre-set” dollar amount. Check with your taxadvisor for exact amounts. You’ll obviously want to choose the deduction strategy that has the most deductionimpact for your situation.

6) Take some time to also learn about the new law that went into effect that changes the Required Minimum Distribution (“RMD”) age, especially if you’re nearing age 70 already. This affects you!

7) Another new law introduces and allows for the addition of certain types of Annuities into existing 401k plans. These are excellent tools that can guarantee a stream of income that can last for your entire retirement. But be aware, there are good ones and certainly bad ones.

ARP Tax Pro is here to help answer any of the above items or discuss any other topic pertinent to your situation.

Reach us by calling 623-889-3403. ARP (Advanced Retirement Planning) has been selected for the 2019 Phoenix Award in the Tax & Investment Services category by the Phoenix Award Program. Each year, the Phoenix Award Program identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help to make the Phoenix area a great place to live, work and play.

“I HATE THE IRS!” “I HATE THE IRS!”

WARNING WARNING DO NOT FILE YOUR TAXES THIS YEAR UNTIL YOU DO NOT FILE YOUR TAXES THIS YEAR UNTIL CALL OUR OFFICE FIRST! YOU CALL OUR OFFICE FIRST!

OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM OF TAX ADVISORS CAN HELP YOU TODAY OUR EXPERIENCED TEAM OF TAX ADVISORS CAN HELP YOU TODAY THE SECURE ACT WAS SIGNED INTO LAW DECEMBER 20TH, 2019! CALL OUR TAX OFFICE NOW Do you feel SECURE about the latest change in our tax code? If you’re not using ARP for your taxes, you’re probably leaving money on the table.

FAST • ACCURATE • CONFIDENTIAL • E-FILE INCLUDED 34975 N. North Valley Parkway, Suite 152 • Phoenix, AZ 85086 (623) 889-3403 • www.arptaxpro.com *For rst year clients only. Valid for businesses, farms or rentals. CALL FOR APPOINTMENT, OUR BOOKS FILL UP FAST We Help With: Individuals, Couples, Married, Businesses of any size, Rentals & Farms / land. Federal and state returns includes schedules A, B & D. ARP Tax is a 100% Audit Protection Firm for your peace of mind!