Itemized deductions versus the standard deduction

The TCJA  doubles the standard deduction, but suspends the personal exemptions and virtually eliminates many of the itemized deductions. The law temporarily eliminates miscellaneous itemized deductions subject to the 2 percent floor and limits the home mortgage interest deduction to home acquisition debt of up to $750,000.

With these changes, some taxpayers may see a lower taxes. Some taxpayers that itemized in the past may not for 2018. Contact us is you need to run the numbers for your tax situation. If the results are grim, you may need to adjust your employer withholding (Form W-4) and/or quarterly estimated tax payments.


Bunch charitable contributions

The TCJA temporarily increases the limit of cash contributions to public charities from 50 to 60 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI).  The only problem (as mentioned above) is that the double standard deduction and itemized changes will leave many taxpayers left out. One solution is to bunch or increase charitable contributions in alternating years, or set up donor-advised funds. 

Watch out for home equity debt interest

The TCJA allows for home equity debt interest if the funds were used to buy or substantially improve the home that secures the loan. Taxpayers must keep good records to ensure that the proceeds were used in this manner, payment to credit card or other personal debt is not allowed (even if prior to 2018).


Revisit 529 qualified tuition plans

The TCJA revises earnings in a 529 college savings plan and allows for paying tuition at an elementary or secondary public, private or religious school, up to $10,000 per year. If you fall in this boat, it may be time to revisit their 529 plans. 

Maximize the qualified business income deduction
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​And of course last but not least the QBI deduction (from our last post) for small business owners. Be sure to contact us for steps how this deduction can save your hard earned dollars

The Labor Day festivities are behind us, this means that the holiday season is quickly approaching (I can hear Andy Williams' "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" music fading in). If you are a small business owner who hates writing that check to the IRS, this year's tax planning season could be merrier than ever due to the changes brought about with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). This is the time for ALL small business owners and entrepreneurs to start doing true tax planning.

The TCJA is virtually a once in a lifetime opportunity for smart small businesses to use tax planning in a way that will ensure they don't lose their hard earned dollars. One key area that we have focused on is the Section 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) rules, paying close attention to the recent developments from the IRS. There has not been this much change in the tax code since 1986 and it is important for small business owners and entrepreneurs to make the most of this opportunity to save money.

One way to save money is to know how to navigate the new Section 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) rules and we have completed our presentation for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Qualified Business Income is a "new" kind of income that is recognized differently than other types (ordinary, investment, passive) and small businesses need to know how it will affect their bottom line. There is a method to madness behind the change and we take a deeper dive in the presentation. For now check out the video below to get a definition of what QBI is and what income is subject to it.

Join us in the coming months on one of our webinar presentations on QBI and other tax planning topics before tax planning season is in the rear-view mirror.

The recently signed Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 had a few tax  extenders that are retroactive to 2017. some of the more notable provisions include:

Exclusion for discharge of indebtedness on a principal residence

The provision extends the exclusion from gross income of a discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness through 2017. The provision also modifies the exclusion to apply to qualified principal residence indebtedness that is discharged pursuant to a binding written agreement entered into in 2017.

Premiums for mortgage insurance (PMI) deductible as mortgage interest

The provision extends the treatment of qualified mortgage insurance premiums as interest for purposes of the mortgage interest deduction through 2017. This deduction phases out ratably for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $100,000 to $110,000.

Above-the-line deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses

The provision extends the above-the-line deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses for higher education through 2017. The deduction is capped at $4,000 for an individual whose adjusted gross income (AGI) does not exceed $65,000 ($130,000 for joint filers) or $2,000 for an individual whose AGI does not exceed $80,000 ($160,000 for joint filers).
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Three-year depreciation for race horses 2-years-old or younger

The provision extends the 3-year recovery period for race horses to property placed in service during 2017.

Contact us if you have already filed your return and qualify for these tax extender provisions.

Happy New Year! With the start of 2018, we have fielded a great deal of questions regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. We figured we would put out a short post to address the most important ones

1.  When will the tax changes take effect? 
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The bill takes effect on January 1, 2018, thus when you file your 2018 taxes (in 2019) you will see the results of the tax changes. W-2 employees will see changes in their paychecks federal withholding in February 2018.
 
2.  How much will the tax changes save a taxpayer?

The short answer is, it depends...what your total income is and where your income is derived. Also other factors can play a role in determining how much you will save. 

3.    Do I need to do anything to change my withholding?

According to the IRS regarding withholding changes:

“We anticipate issuing the initial withholding guidance in January, and employers and payroll service providers will be encouraged to implement the changes in February,” said the IRS. “The IRS emphasizes this information will be designed to work with the existing Forms W-4 that employees have already filed, and no further action by taxpayers is needed at this time.”

These are just a few of the top questions we are hearing from taxpayers, feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding the Tax Cut and Jobs Act.