Key Tax Changes to note for 2013

As the year draws to a close, it is a good time to take stock of your tax situation and identify possible opportunities to minimize your tax liability. Many of the provisions associated with the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 ("ATRA") became effective in 2013, which means they will have an impact on this year’s tax return.

ATRA extended numerous benefits for middle-income taxpayers that can help minimize your tax bite if you qualify. Tax benefits include many credits and benefits for families, some deductions for state and local taxes and tax credits for making energy-saving improvements to your home. If you are a higher income taxpayer, ATRA increased your need to plan to lower the impact of higher rates.

We encourage you to contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss how these laws affect your tax situation and develop a strategy that makes sense for you. Among the issues you should be considering:

Health Care Reform

The Affordable Care Act ("ACA") has generated a great deal of confusion and concern. Although no tax considerations for individuals are involved, taxpayers who don’t have health care coverage may be subject to a penalty. Even if you already have coverage, you may want to consider alternatives. We can help you assess what reform means to you and offer the advice you need to make the best choices.

New Tax Laws in Effect

·          High-income individuals will pay more in taxes under the new law in 2013.  Period.  You should consider options for minimizing this tax burden. The highest individual income tax rate rose to 39.6% in 2013 and taxpayers at this income level also saw the dividend and long-term capital gains tax rates rise from 15% to 20%. 

·          In addition, the new 3.8% net investment income tax applies to single taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $200,000 and joint filers earning $250,000. This new tax may affect the effective after-tax return on the sale of your investments, but proper planning may serve to minimize the impact.
 

·          Although the alternative minimum tax ("AMT") originally was aimed at high-income taxpayers, it increasingly has affected more and more middle-income taxpayers. ATRA indexed the AMT for inflation but the use of certain tax breaks could still subject you to the tax.

·          Phase-outs of personal exemptions and the limitation on itemized deductions have been reinstated. As a result, joint filers with adjusted gross income greater than $300,000 and single taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds $250,000 will see a decrease in both of these deductions.

·          After several years of uncertainty in the estate tax area, ATRA created some permanency. The amount that an heir can inherit without owing estate tax is now set at $5 million and will be indexed for inflation in future years. In addition, the estate tax was raised to 40%.

·         Under ATRA, taxpayers age 70½ and older can once again make up to $100,000 of tax-free distributions from an IRA directly to qualified charities.

For those paying college tuition, there is some good news. Several education-related benefits were extended by ATRA, including the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which allows eligible taxpayers to claim a tax credit for some higher education expenses. Given skyrocketing tuition costs, families should not overlook these credits and deductions as they plan for college.

We can help you understand your tax situation and determine the best steps to address your tax challenges and any other financial concerns. We are also available after tax season to advise you on the financial strategies and planning decisions that will help you meet your goals. 

Please don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment to begin discussing your options.