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tax preparation

Summer is the Perfect Time to Do Tax Planning for Now and 2023

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The summer is a good time to take a break. Head to the beach. Take a few weeks off. All of that is good and healthy.

However, summer is also a great time to do some minimal tax planning. It won’t take a lot of time to do it and you can still enjoy your summer. Trust us, you can take a few substantial steps now that will help you later.

So, before you pack the cooler and swimsuits, let’s do a few things:

  1. Retirement planning: You can still make plans by allowing for employer contributions to be made until the extended due date of the return. One way to do it is by making the maximum allowable contribution to your retirement plan. This year, 401(k) and 403(b) have a $20,500 contribution limit. There is also a $6,500 contribution for taxpayers who reach age 50 by 12/31/22. 
  2. Real Estate holdings: The DMV area has a hot real estate market. So §1031 can be used by rolling proceeds from a sale into the like-kind property within a timeframe. (It is specific and must be followed to the letter.)
  3. Capital gains: You may want to defer the tax liability with an Opportunity Zone investment. This is reinvesting capital gains in an Opportunity Zone within a 180-day window. Then defer the tax on the original gain until December 31, 2026. Opportunity Zone investments can be held for ten years as they will not be taxed by the IRS. 
  4. Depreciation: Depreciation, for business owners, need not be determined when the asset (business property) is used. Bonus depreciation is already automatic. “Out of bonus” depreciation can be claimed for each asset class. Attach a statement to the timely-filed tax return and then depreciate the asset over its life. 
  5. Required Minimum Distributions: Your brokerage can pay your RMD directly to the charity you designate. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) is not recognized as income. It keeps your adjusted gross income lower, and it may even reduce Medicare premiums. You can still make the standard deduction but remember that you can only claim a total of $100,000 per tax year.
  6. Donor-advised funds: You are allowed to take a tax deduction in the year that cash or other assets are transferred to a DAF. They can be invested until you recommend the DAF distribute the funds to all of the charities you support. You are not taxed on interest, gains, and dividends generated by investments made by the DAF. It’s a great way to accomplish tax planning goals. You can also claim a deduction for the fair market value of the donated assets and not have to pay capital gains tax on the appreciation.

These are just a few of the ways you can plan for your 2022 tax returns and beyond. Be sure to consult the IRS, your tax advisor, or your accountant. ***

AK Burton, PC, knows the current tax laws and how to work with the IRS. Our experienced tax preparers can file your business and personal tax returns and represent you to the IRS. Call us at (301) 365-1974 for a consultation. 

We serve the Bethesda, Rockville, and Montgomery County, MD area.

*** For more information on tax preparation, visit the IRS website. 

Tax Advice

Not too late to Plan: Year End Tax Planning

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Fall is a beautiful time of year. Holidays are around the corner and taxes are the last thing you want to think about. However, certain events can drastically change your tax liability. Now is the time to plan for these changes so that a large tax bill doesn’t sneak up on you.

Just like the leaves changing, things change during the year.A  job promotion, new job, retirement, adding a new family member, or maybe an inheritance are some examples of significant events that may impact your taxes.

tax advisor AK Burton

Here are a few reasons to contact us at A.K. Burton PC for tax planning services:

  1. A change in employment. Any change in your earnings should have you reaching out to our office to discuss the best course of action. For example: when hired, you fill out form W-4 to set your allowances. Do you want one, two, or what does allowances even mean? By discussing the matter with us, we analyze and make the best decision with you.
  2. Form of compensation. For example: a change in how your money is earned such as from an employee earning income that is reported on form W2 to an independent contractor being compensated by form 1099-MISC triggers a significant tax event. Contact our office to discuss the steps that you need to take as an independent contractor. One of those steps is making estimated tax payments based on your income.
  3. Retirement. If you’re looking at retiring it is essential to contact our office and discuss what the change in income will be and what steps you’ve taken so far in the process. There are many options concerning your retirement and tax liability. Be especially cognizant of required minimum distributions once you turn 70 ½ years old. These distributions are required and the withholding that has been set up in the past may not be enough to avoid a tax liability. Contact our office to plan ahead and work to avoid unnecessary surprises.
  4. Capital gains. A large gain from an investment may trigger a nasty surprise depending on your tax bracket and other income. Any significant change in investment income should be discussed with your tax adviser.
  5. Investment property. There are many taxable situations that occur when dealing with a rental property. Many tax rules are not understood by other professionals to the extent of our staff’s knowledge. Before making the decision to sell that condo you’re renting out; contact our office and double check what tax consequences may ensue. It only takes minutes to shoot us an email or give us a call. You’ll be happy you did.

These are only some of the reasons to engage in year end tax planning with your tax advisor. Any significant change in your life should be discussed with your advisor as soon as possible. Year-end tax planning is a great way to wrap up the year and prepare for filing your taxes. At A.K. Burton, PC we specialize in year-end tax planning because it is a service our clients consistently rely on.

A.K. Burton, PC, which serves the Washington,D.C. and Bethesda, MD area, has experienced and licensed individual financial advisers who can help you with your year-end small business tax preparation. Contact us at (301) 365-1974 for more information or email us at info@cpa-maryland.com.