IRS issues 2023 tax brackets and standard deduction amounts
The IRS announced inflation adjustments for tax year 2023. The items adjusted for annual inflation include tax rate schedules, the standard deduction, and more than 60 other provisions. Below is a snapshot of some of those adjustments: The standard deductionThe standard deduction amounts for 2023 are: $27,700 for married couples filing jointly (up from $1,800 in […]
More states enact SALT workarounds
New York and Georgia have now added to the growing number states enacting measures to work around the cap on state and local tax deductions. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act placed a $10,000 cap on the deduction, which was a blow to residents in high tax states. Since TCJA was enacted, various states […]
IRS Tax Tip: Know the difference between standardized and itemized deductions
It’s a good idea for people to find out if they should file using the standard deduction or itemize their deductions. Deductions reduce the amount of taxable income when filing a federal income tax return. In other words, they can reduce the amount of tax someone owes. Individuals should understand they have a choice of […]
Can you deduct charitable gifts on your tax return?
Many taxpayers make charitable gifts — because they’re generous and they want to save money on their federal tax bills. But with the tax law changes that went into effect a couple years ago and the many rules that apply to charitable deductions, you may no longer get a tax break for your generosity. Are […]
Tax reform can impact quarterly tax payments
Some taxpayers were surprised that their tax refunds this year were not as high as in years past because they had not adjusted their withholdings in response to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The sweeping tax reform law that was passed at the end of 2017 should also prompt those who pay estimated quarterly […]
Clear these hurdles to benefit from deducting investment interest expense
As you likely know by now, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) reduced or eliminated many deductions for individuals. One itemized deduction the TCJA kept intact is for investment interest expense. This is interest on debt used to buy assets held for investment, such as margin debt used to buy securities. But if you […]
How will tax reform impact your 2018 taxes? A review of the TCJA provisions
Now that 2019 has begun, there isn’t too much you can do to reduce your 2018 income tax liability. But it’s smart to begin preparing for filing your 2018 return. Because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was signed into law at the end of 2017, likely will have a major impact on […]
Check deductibility before making year-end charitable gifts
As the holidays approach and the year draws to a close, many taxpayers make charitable gifts — both in the spirit of the season and as a year-end tax planning strategy. But with the tax law changes that go into effect in 2018 and the many rules that apply to the charitable deduction, it’s a […]
Could ‘bunching’ medical expenses into 2018 save you tax?
Some of your medical expenses may be tax deductible, but only if you itemize deductions and have enough expenses to exceed the applicable floor for deductibility. With proper planning, you may be able to time controllable medical expenses to your tax advantage. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) could make bunching such expenses into […]