Time for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Sweaters, and … Year-End Tax Planning?
The weather is cooling off and the fall season is upon us. While, for some, this means pumpkin spice lattes and sweaters, for tax planners this means it’s time for year-end tax planning! With just a few months left in 2022, most taxpayers have a good idea of where their income will end up for the year. Based on this information, it is time to review your tax situation and take action before the year-end deadline.
Income Planning
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 reduced income tax rates for individuals through 2025. With these historically low tax rates in effect, consider accelerating income in years where you may be in a low bracket. This may mean exercising stock options or converting funds from an IRA to a Roth IRA to take advantage of current low tax brackets. Or, if income is higher than normal this year, consider deferring income (such as bonuses) into the next tax year.
If you are enrolled in Medicare or are within two years of receiving benefits, review your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to see how your income will impact future Medicare premiums. Medicare has a two-year lookback to determine premiums, so your 2022 income will impact your 2024 premiums. Consider accelerating or deferring income to stay within certain Medicare premium tiers.
Withholding
Now that you have a good handle on your income for the year, review whether your federal and state income tax withholding is appropriate. To avoid federal underpayment penalties, you would need to pay in 100% of last year’s tax (110% if adjusted gross income is higher than $150,000 if married, and $75,000 if single) or 90% of the current year’s tax, whichever is lower.
Consider increasing withholding to cover any shortfall or adjust your fourth quarter estimated payment. Don’t forget to double check your state withholding, as state underpayment penalties are generally higher than their federal counterpart. Use this IRS withholding calculator to see if your withholding will cover your federal tax obligation.
Deduction Planning
If you know you will be in a high tax bracket for the year, or if you will have a withholding shortfall, consider increasing your tax deductions. Consider maximizing the contributions to your 401(k) plan by year end. In 2022, the 401(k) contribution limit is $20,500 plus an additional $6,500 if you are over age 50. If your income is within the IRS limits, you and your spouse may be able to contribute $6,000 each to a tax-deductible IRA ($7,000 each if you are both over age 50). IRA contributions don’t need to occur before year end and can be made until the April 15 tax filing deadline.
Are you enrolled in a high deductible health plan? If so, make sure to maximize your contributions to a health savings account (HSA). If you are employed, consider increasing your payroll HSA deductions to maximize contributions by the end of the calendar year. Or, you can make additional contributions directly to your HSA until the April 15 tax deadline. The maximum contribution is $3,650 for single filers and $7,300 for families, with a $1,000 catch-up contribution if you are over age 55. If both spouses are over age 55, you can both contribute an additional $1,000, though these additional contributions need to be made in each spouse’s respective account.
Charitable donations can be another great way to reduce your tax liability. Review your itemized deductions for the year to see how close you are to the standard deduction threshold ($25,900 if married, $12,950 if single). Consider contributing to a donor-advised fund if you want to bunch several years of charitable donations into one tax year. This way, you get an upfront tax deduction and can dole out the donations in future years. Charitable donations need to be received by the charity before December 31 to be deductible in the current tax year.
Are you saving for your child’s or grandchild’s college education? You could contribute to a 529 plan to get a possible state tax deduction. To qualify for the deduction, you must contribute to the plan sponsored by the state where you live. For example, married Illinois residents can contribute up to $20,000 to the Bright Start 529 plan and save almost $1,000 in state tax.
Required Minimum Distributions
Are you age 72 in 2022? If so, you may need to take your required minimum distribution (RMD) from your IRA or 401(k) plan by December 31. If this is your first year taking your RMD, you have the option to delay the first RMD until April 15 of 2023. Keep in mind, though, that you will be doubling up on RMDs in 2023. Also, if you are charitably inclined, you can donate up to $100,000 from your RMD directly to charity as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD). QCD distributions count toward your RMD amount and are excluded from income. You will need to keep a record of these donations to give your tax preparer since the donations are not subtracted from income on the tax forms provided by your custodian.
With inflation making a dent in many people’s budgets this year, year-end tax planning is a great way to make your money work harder for you. So, grab a pumpkin spice latte, throw on a cozy sweater, and reach out to your tax or financial advisor if you have questions or need assistance. Happy fall!
This is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalized investment or financial advice. Please consult your investment professional regarding your unique situation.
Jessica L. Knudsen
Financial Advisor