Eight moves to whip your tax strategy into shape
Tax season isn’t the only time you should be mindful of your taxes. Challenge yourself to tone up your tax strategy and help you keep your taxes in top form year-round. Of course, also be sure to consult your tax professional and financial advisor.
1. FIND A TRAINER
You’ll want a heavyweight tax professional in your corner. Don’t have one? Ask your financial advisor, other professionals, friends and family for a recommendation and get interviewing. You’ll need a tax trainer to keep you focused.
2. TAX IT TO THE MAX
Push your retirement contribution to the limit. For 2018, you can add $18,500 to your employer-sponsored plan and/or $5,500 to an IRA, with additional $6,000/$1,000 catch-up contributions if you’re over 50. Ask your advisors for details. Bulking up your tax-advantaged savings trims your taxable income, too.
3. DIG DEEP
Look long and hard how your life has changed since the last tax season. Did you get married, have a baby, or send a son or daughter to college? Make sure you understand how life changes can impact your tax bill.
4. CRUNCH YOUR NUMBERS
Your employer withholds a certain amount of pay for taxes based on your W-4, which outlines the exemptions you want to claim. Withhold too much and you’re giving the IRS an interest-free loan; too little and you’ll owe. Find the number that’s just right by using the withholding calculator on the IRS website (irs.gov/Individuals/IRS-Withholding-Calculator) or discussing your W-4 with your tax pro.
5. GET DISCIPLINED
Getting your taxes in shape takes dedication and commitment. Diligently track and review your deductible expenses, donations and mortgage interest, as well as any credits you’re eligible for. Don’t forget relevant documentation.
6. NO GAINS, NO PAIN
If you sell an appreciated asset, you’ll need to pay resulting capital gains taxes. You can use the proceeds or pump up savings. While you’re at it, check out any capital losses you may have on the books, too.
7. LOSE THE WEIGHT
Cut loose any investments that are weighing down your portfolio to offset gains from the winners. This strategy is called tax-loss harvesting.
8. SET A GOAL
Flex the power of your generosity by focusing your giving strategy on a specific location or single cause. A more organized and tax-efficient approach, perhaps through a donor-advised fund or other dedicated vehicle, could help you help others more effectively.
Discuss these steps and others with your professional tax advisor; your financial advisor can help coordinate the conversation. Then you can relax, knowing you’re in great shape for the next tax season.
NEXT STEPS
• Familiarize yourself with tax-saving strategies
• Make a commitment to be mindful of taxes year-round
• Consult your tax professional and financial advisor
From "Amy & Dan Smith's Planning for Life" column appearing monthly in the Blue Ridge Leader, Loudoun County, VA.
The foregoing article contains general legal information only and is not intended to convey legal advice. For legal advice regarding estate planning, the reader should contact his/her lawyer.
Daniel D. Smith is a partner in the law firm of Smith & Pugh, PLC, 161 Fort Evans Road, NE, Suite 345, Leesburg, VA 20176. (Tel: 703-777-6084, www.smithpugh.com). He has practiced law in Loudoun County since 1980.