Personal Tax and Financial Planning 2014 – 2015: What You Can Do Now to Save Money Now
If you are like most people, you experience an end-of-year rush that leaves you feeling exhausted and frustrated. Tax and financial planning is no different – the change in the calendar and the coming tax season after the New Year loom, and you want to do all you can now to save money. Luckily, there are a few important moves you can squeeze in now to make things a little easier when 2015 tax season arrives.
Remember, as you make decisions, any planning and strategy you employ must apply to both 2014 and 2015. A multi-year outlook ensures anything you do to save taxes this year won’t cost you more in the coming year. Also, be aware of the Alternative Minimum Tax. What works now could increase tax problems in the future. People who have many dependents, deduct state and local tax, exercise incentive stock options, or enjoy large capital gains should expect to pay this alternative tax.
Income and Deductions
Postpone income until 2015 and accelerate deductions into 2014 to lower your 2014 tax bill. This strategy may enable you to claim larger deductions, credits, and other tax breaks for 2014 that are phased out over varying levels of adjusted gross income. These include child tax credits, higher education tax credits, and deductions for student loan interest. Postponing income is also desirable for those taxpayers who anticipate being in a lower tax bracket next year due to changed financial circumstances. Note, however, that in some cases, it may pay to actually accelerate income into 2014. For example, this may be the case where a person’s marginal tax rate is much lower this year than it will be next year or where lower income in 2015 will result in a higher tax credit for an individual who plans to purchase health insurance on a health exchange.
Charitable Giving
The holidays are a time for giving and charitable contributions are no exception. Many people feel generous this time of year, and tax-wise it can pay off. Keep in mind donations charged on a credit card are deductible in the year charged, not when you make your payment. This means you can squeeze in a few donations before the end of this year and not need to make the payment until your bill arrives in January. You can give generously without leaving yourself short on funds for the holiday season.
Make Changes to Your IRA Funds
Converting traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA can save you money over the long-term if your tax rate this year is lower than it will be in the future. Wiggle room in your current bracket also allows you to absorb a small Roth IRA conversation without forcing you into a higher tax bracket this year.
Also, don’t forget to make a tax deductible contribution to your traditional IRA or 401(k) retirement account if you are eligible.
Update Estate Planning
Recent changes concerning federal and state estate tax could mean it’s time to take a look at your current estate plan, if any, or finally implement an estate plan for the first time. In addition to changes in the law, changes in your personal life might be cause for a review of your estate plan that could lead to saving you money and improving your family’s situation in the future.
Making gifts sheltered by the annual gift tax exclusion before December 31st can save gift and estate taxes. You can give $14,000 in 2014 to each of an unlimited number of individuals but you can’t carry over unused exclusions from one year to the next. The gifts also may save family income taxes where income-earning property is given to family members in lower income tax brackets who are not subject to the kiddie tax.
Taking action now can reduce your tax liability this year and next. Unfortunately, many people get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and miss out on this last minute opportunity to save money. Waiting reduces your options and could be a big financial mistake. To make the most of your circumstances and take advantage of end of year savings, contact a financial planning and tax expert for more information. Feel free to call us to discuss your situation.
Source: http://themoneygeek.com/2014/11/09/2014-year-end-tax-planning-tips/
