Tax planning should be a repeatable systematic process to optimize the changing tax laws with the changing circumstances in our client’s lives. Every year we have an annual review meeting which typically results in tax saving for the current year, along with tax strategies to implement in future years.
The new tax rules increased the Standard Deduction and changed the Itemized Deduction rules. As a result, it is becoming more difficult for taxpayers to take advantage of deductions.
There are two ways to deduct charitable contributions even with the new limiting tax rules:
Utilizing a donor advised fund is one way to take advantage of getting an upfront charitable deduction while avoiding capital gains
Another planning strategy to contribute money directly from your IRA to charity.
** note: this only applies for taxpayers over the age 70 who have a Required Minimum Distribution requirement. **
What is the difference and which is best for you? There are different eligibly rules for you and your spouse depending on your work status and income.
Did you contribute enough to get the full company match?
Did you maximize your contribution
Are “Deductible” or “Roth” contributions best for you?
If you are close to retirement should you consider “After-Tax” contributions?
Do you have your beneficiaries titled correctly so that they can benefit from
the ‘stretch IRA rules’?
If you have a ‘high deductible’ health insurance plan then you are eligible to contribute to an HSA. This is the only investment in the tax code that is triple tax-exempt.
We consider Roth IRA conversions in years you may be in lower tax brackets. In our experience a lot of people have a window post retirement where they can take advantage of IRA/401(k) Roth IRA conversions in coordination with their Social Security benefits.
There are many strategies to consider that affect your income taxes and lifetime
benefits for you and your spouse.
States have unique tax considerations, for example in South Carolina:
Taxpayers have the ability to purchase tax credits for a discount from other taxpayers.
South Carolina residents can deduct contributions into this plan and funds grow tax-free.
Schedule your complimentary consultation.