More Year-Ahead Tax Planning

Following on last week’s 2023 Year-End Tax Planning come several key tax moves to consider over the next year or two. These moves do NOT need to be made by year-end 2023 but still need to be top of mind, especially for those in higher tax brackets and those having accumulated significant savings.

Plus, for those approaching retirement and looking to accumulate tax-free monies down the line, there are considerations too. Why bring up this topic now? Because the 2017 tax cuts, set to expire in 2025, did lower the top tax bracket AND expanded the very reasonable 24% tax bracket. Use the lower brackets while they still exist.

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Year-End Tax Planning 2023

Year-end tax planning is a sort of double-event this year, due to 1) the approaching 2023 year-end, and 2) the 2017 TCJA tax cuts expiring at the end of 2025 (sooner than it sounds) – meaning limited time to take advantage of Roth IRA conversions and certain gifting strategies. There are a number of items and trust strategies that can be planned in advance. This week will be Part 1 and next week Part 2.

Part 1 includes basic, yearly items that can be addressed in these final months of 2023:

  1. Have you maxed out your 401k? Many people do not know they can temporarily increase 401k contributions through December 31st to reach the $22,500maximum contribution (those age 50 and older get an extra $7,500 catch-up contribution, for a total of $30,000). Lots of 401k or 403b plans allow participants to contribute 25-30% – or even 100% of pay – and then revert to a lower contribution rate on January 1st of next year.
  • These 401k contributions can be tax-deductible unless you are contributing to a Roth 401k (which can be an excellent idea too).
  • It is not too late!

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Tax Traps, Part 1

Talking taxes on a Friday is a lot easier than talking taxes on a Monday! Believe it or not, at this time of year it is smart to be talking taxes no matter what. Preparation and planning are the name of the game.*

The issue of higher FUTURE taxes is critical to clients of all income levels – especially those in higher tax brackets – and all ages. You will hear me repeatedly hammering home this “tax trap” issue – with the research and collaboration from my sources to back it up.

Here is some “good” news when it comes to taxes and tax strategies: the Roth IRARoth IRA conversion and Roth 401k are alive and well for now. The “good” part is that for nearly ALL reading this, you ARE eligible for both the Roth IRA conversion and the Roth 401k (if your company offers a Roth 401k) even if you are in the higher/highest income brackets or own a business! And these strategies can be employed NOW for 2020 and 2021.

The issue of higher FUTURE taxes is critical to clients of all income levels, especially those in higher tax brackets
Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

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2020 Contribution and Gift Limits

A handful of updates for 2020 IRA & 401k contribution and gift limits:

  • For Traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs the 2020 contribution maximum remains the SAME in 2020 as in 2019: $6,000 (plus $1,000 to total $7,000 for those age 50 and over).
  • REMEMBER!! IRA account contributions can be made all the way up until April 15th for the previous tax year.
  • That means that you have until April 15, 2020 to make an IRA contribution for 2019.

cash dollars hands money
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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Time is Running Out

There are just twelve business days remaining in December. If you are realistic about the number of days remaining to transact actual business, it is more like eight days. Use these eight days wisely!

shallow focus of clear hourglass
Make the most of the last eight to twelve days of December.

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A Tax Strategy You May Not Know

Talking taxes on a Friday is a lot easier than talking taxes on a Monday (thank you for reading in Winter Haven, FL)! And believe it or not, at this time of year it is good to be talking taxes no matter what. Preparation and planning are the name of the game. *

Investing in your retirement
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Here’s some “good” news when it comes to taxes and tax strategies: the Roth IRARoth IRA conversion and Roth 401k are alive and well. The “good” part is that for nearly ALL of you reading this, you ARE eligible for both the Roth IRA conversion and the Roth 401k (if your company offers a Roth 401k) even if you are in the higher/highest income brackets or own a business! And these strategies can be employed NOW for 2019. Continue reading “A Tax Strategy You May Not Know”