Tag: tax reform

Tax Reform Planning Series: Maximize your qualified business income deduction

You may have heard a lot of talk in the news about a new deduction for “pass-through” income, but it’s actually available for qualified business income from a sole proprietorship (including a farm), as well as from pass-through entities such...

Tax Reform Planning Series: Bunch charitable contributions through donor-advised funds

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) temporarily increases the limit on cash contributions to public charities and certain private foundations from 50% to 60% of AGI. However, standard deduction has almost doubled. Combined with the capping of the state and...

Tax Reform Planning Series: Take advantage of the new child tax credit

Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the child tax credit was $1,000 per qualifying child, but it was reduced for married couples filing jointly by $50 for every $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which their Adjusted Gross...

Tax Reform Planning Series: Maximize home mortgage interest deductions

Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), taxpayers could deduct interest paid on up to $1 million ($500,000 if married filing separately) of home acquisition debt (debt used to buy or substantially improve a first or second home). Also,...

Tax Reform Planning Series: New standard deduction versus itemized deductions

For 2018, joint filers can enjoy a standard deduction of $24,000 (versus $12,700 for 2017). The new standard deduction for heads of household is $18,000, and single taxpayers (including married taxpayers filing separately) can claim a standard deduction of $12,000....

Tax Reform Planning Series: Take advantage of lower tax rates and investment gains

Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), 2018 ordinary tax rates are generally lower than those for 2017. For example, the top rate has been reduced from 39.6% to 37%. (The remaining six rates are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%,...

Should you revisit your decision to capitalize carrying costs?

With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act taking effect in 2018, it may make sense to revisit your decision to capitalize real estate taxes, mortgage interest and other carrying costs related to investment property. For background, a taxpayer can capitalize...

Budget deal revives expired individual tax breaks

  • February 14, 2018
  • Maria Montie, CPA, MST, CVA, MAFF

Last week, President Trump signed a bill that provides tax breaks to homeowners, students and environmentalists. This includes tax breaks for mortgage insurance premiums, higher-education expenses, energy-efficient home-improvement projects and other items that had expired at the end of 2016,...