While it seems much too early to be talking about taxes, we are approaching year end, and with that comes the deadline for many tax planning considerations. Also with fall elections and a new year comes likely changes to tax rules. Even if no legislative changes are made, unless congress extends “JGTRRA” legislation of 2003, current capital gains tax rates of 15% will revert back to their previous 20% rates, and other tax ramifications will kick in. Beyond this, speculation of other tax increases is again on the rise.
So what’s a person to do? Well, the first step is to assess your situation. Here’s six things to consider:
1) Income: how does this year compare to last year, and what does 2011 look like for you? Is 2010 income looking substantially different from last year or next year? Will you likely be in a different tax bracket (rate)? Can you defer income (e.g. year-end bonus) or accelerate pre-tax contributions to 401k or other retirement plan to bring down your taxable income? Conversely can you accelerate income if 2011 is likely to be a higher income year? Other income – did you collect unemployment; receive any pension or Social Security income(s)?
2) Do you have any assets with capital gains that you have previously considered selling? Do you have carry-forward losses that are going un-utilized, or maybe better save them for future? Did you sell or purchase your home may or may not have significant tax consequences.
3) Filing Status: have you had a change in your filing status: this could be either a new child, or marriage, divorce or death in family.
4) Are your deductions significantly greater than previous year? While this may seem like a good thing for taxes, it may trigger Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)?
5) Are you eligible to contribute to a ROTH IRA or convert an IRA to a ROTH IRA? While contributions can occur up through April 15 (tax filing deadline), conversions must occur within the calendar year (by December 31st). Also, 2010 is special year in that you can spread the tax liability over 2010 and 2011 tax returns.
6) Are you (or loved one) retiring soon? Planning to collect Social Security or pension plan? Are you close to or turning 70 years old – you may need to withdraw retirement assets.
This is by no means intended to be a comprehensive or complete list. Rather, just some things to get you thinking about your situation and to encourage proactively addressing (the next step) rather than simply sitting back and waiting for tax processing season (April), when it is too late to change outcome.
Even if you traditionally get a refund, this does not exclude you from the opportunity to lower your tax bill (get an even bigger refund). But like all things, it takes a bit of work. I would encourage you to seek out professional tax advice to determine if your situation can benefit by some year-end planning.
Pete Thoresen
Financial Advisor
Focus Financial Network, Inc.
1000 Shelard Parkway, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55426
952-225-0344 direct | 952-591-9770 main office
Securities offered through Royal Alliance Associates Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Focus Financial Network, Inc., a registered investment advisor not affiliated with Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. / 1000 Shelard Parkway, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55426
