Season 2 Episode 36: The urgent need for tax planning right now
Sep 11, 2023
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Explore the looming tax increase due to the potential expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Learn about tax planning strategies to mitigate higher taxes, including gifting, estate planning, and Roth IRA conversions. Delve into the political dynamics shaping future tax laws and the importance of strategic tax planning amidst uncertainty for financial efficiency.
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions expiring may lead to higher taxes, emphasizing proactive tax planning strategies.
Estate tax planning and Roth conversions offer ways to optimize tax efficiency and preserve wealth amidst potential tax law changes.
Deep dives
Tax Law Changes and Risk of Increased Taxes
Due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many individuals experienced tax reductions that may be soon expiring, potentially leading to higher taxes for most people. As provisions of this act phase out or expire, like bonus depreciation and opportunity zones tax credits, individuals and businesses may face challenges in preserving wealth and investing back into the economy. The looming risk of tax increases, unless Congress intervenes, calls for proactive tax planning strategies to mitigate the impact.
Estate Planning Strategies for Tax Efficiency
The potential expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act highlights the significance of estate planning for tax strategy. Changes in estate tax exemptions could affect a broader group of individuals, necessitating attention to estate tax planning. Strategies such as gifting to children or grandchildren and accelerating contributions to educational accounts like 529s can help reduce the tax burden and optimize tax efficiency, especially for higher net worth households.
Roth Conversions and Capital Gain Harvesting for Tax Optimization
Amidst the uncertainty of tax law changes, considering Roth conversions and capital gain harvesting emerges as effective tax optimization strategies. By converting traditional IRA funds to Roth accounts and strategically harvesting capital gains, individuals can manage their tax liabilities effectively. Roth conversions offer the benefit of paying taxes at potentially lower rates now, while avoiding mandatory distributions in the future, providing a tax-efficient way to preserve and pass on wealth.
Implications of Tax Law Extension and Fiscal Challenges
The extensive tax law extension, as estimated to cost trillions, raises concerns about the fiscal impact and budget deficits. The cost of extending the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly adds to the national debt, prompting discussions on how to finance these extensions. Political dynamics and potential changes in control of government chambers could influence the fate of tax laws, leading to debates over tax rates and implications for individual provisions like standard deductions and child tax credits.
There’s a very good chance that your taxes are about to go up. That’s because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, a massive overhaul of the tax code for both businesses and individual taxpayers that reduced taxes for many people, may expire if Congress doesn’t act to extend it. In this episode of Edelman Financial Engines’ Everyday Wealth™, Jean and wealth planner Isabel Barrow discuss ways to start planning for the possibility of higher taxes, including different strategies that could help reduce your tax burden. Then, Jean interviews Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute, about how the political climate will affect the outcome of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and what the fiscal ramifications could be. Next, Jennifer Chomicki, senior director of advanced planning strategies at Edelman Financial Engines, joins Jean and Isabel to discuss new tax technology that helps identify ways to potentially reduce your taxes.
Ms. Chatzky receives cash compensation for acting as host of the Everyday Wealth podcast and for related activities and therefore has an incentive to endorse Edelman Financial Engines and its planners. That compensation is a fixed sum paid on an annual basis; and reimbursement for certain expenses. The amount paid each year does not vary, is not based on show content or any results-dependent factors (e.g., popularity of the show).
This show is prerecorded and any callers are prescreened.
The views and opinions expressed by Howard Gleckman, a senior fellow in the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute, are solely his own and may not reflect the views or opinions of EFE or its planners.
The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or tax advice. Although some of the statistical and market information has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. You should consult with a financial advisor and tax professional to help determine the best options for your particular circumstances.