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Here’s how to get the status of an Economic Impact Payment

9/30/2020

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Eligible individuals can visit IRS.gov and use the Get My Payment tool to find out the status of their Economic Impact Payment. This tool will show if a payment has been issued and whether the payment was direct deposited or sent by mail.
 
In certain situations, this tool will also give people the option of providing their bank account information to receive their payment by direct deposit. Information is updated once a day, usually overnight, so there's no need to check it more than once a day.
 
Here are some key things to know about this tool and who can use it.
 
  • Before using the tool, people must verify their identity by answering security questions.
 
  • If the answers do not match IRS records after multiple attempts, the user will be locked out of the tool for 24 hours. This is for security reasons. Those who can’t verify their identity won’t be able to use Get My Payment. If this happens, people should not contact the IRS.
 
  • If the tool returns a message of “payment status not available,” this may mean the IRS can’t determine the person’s eligibility for a payment right now. There are several reasons this could happen. Two common reasons are:
    • A 2018 or 2019 tax return is not on file and the agency needs more information or,
    • The individual could be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
 
  • In some cases, if a taxpayer has filed their 2019 tax return but the IRS hasn’t processed it yet, they may receive “payment status not available.” Taxpayers who’ve already filed a tax return don’t need to take any action. The IRS continues to issue Economic Impact Payments as tax returns are processed.
 
  • People who aren’t required to file a tax return and used the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool to register for a payment can check the status of their payment using the Get My Payment tool. These individuals should wait two weeks after submitting their information. If they’re required to file a 2019 tax return and they used the Non-Filer tool, this may delay processing their tax return and their Economic Impact Payment.
 
  • Recipients of SSA-1099, RRB-1099, SSI or VA benefits may not have filed a return or used the Non-Filer tool. These people can check Get My Payment for the status of their payment, if they can verify their identity. If a benefit recipient has not received their payment, the IRS might need more information. If these individuals can’t be claimed as a dependent and aren’t required to file a tax return, they should use the Non-filer tool to register for a payment.
 
  • Most individuals receive only one payment, but there are some situations where they may receive an additional payment. This includes certain federal benefit recipients of Social Security, SSI, RRB or VA who may receive a catch-up $500 payment for each qualifying child. Get My Payment will show the status of their most recent payment.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720
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Don't Run the Risk of a High Tax Bill!  Know when you should ask for professional help.

9/28/2020

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Before taking action talk to your tax adviser.
 
How many times have you seen this legal disclaimer? Unfortunately, all too often taxpayers do not follow this advice and then must pay the price with an unnecessarily high tax bill.
 
Here are some of the most common situations that can save you money by seeking advice before you act.

  • Getting married
  • Selling a home
  • Donating stocks and investments
  • Getting divorced
  • Change in dependent status
  • Approaching retirement
  • Starting a business
  • Managing participation in tax-advantaged retirement accounts like 401(k), 403(b), and various IRAs
  • Death and birth of loved ones
  • Donating high-value items
  • Selling stocks, bonds, mutual funds or business property (rentals)
  • An audit
  • Tax-efficient transfer of your estate
  • Selling or buying high value assets (art, collectibles, real estate, and small business assets)
  • Determining Social Security benefit strategy
 
In advance of any of these events, or when in doubt, please ask for assistance. There are too many stories that include the words “If only they had talked to someone first!”

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720
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Six tips for people starting a new business

9/25/2020

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Understanding the tax responsibilities that come with starting a business venture can save taxpayers money and help set them up for success. IRS.gov has the resources and answers to help people through the process of starting a new business.
 
Here are six tips for new business owners.
 
  • Choose a business structure. The form of business determines which income tax return a business taxpayer needs to file. The most common business structures are: 
    • Sole proprietorship: An unincorporated business owned by an individual. There’s no distinction between the taxpayer and their business.
    • Partnership: An unincorporated business with ownership shared between two or more people.
    • Corporation: Also known as a C corporation. It’s a separate entity owned by shareholders.
    • S Corporation: A corporation that elects to pass corporate income, losses, deductions and credits through to the shareholders.
    • Limited Liability Company: A business structure allowed by state statute. 

  • Choose a tax year. A tax year is an annual accounting period for keeping records and reporting income and expenses. A new business owner must choose either:
    • Calendar year: 12 consecutive months beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
    • Fiscal year: 12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December. 
 
  • Apply for an employer identification number. An EIN is also called a federal tax identification number. It’s used to identify a business. Most businesses need one of these numbers. It’s important for a business with an EIN to keep the business mailing address, location and responsible party up to date. IRS regulations require EIN holders to report changes in the responsible party within 60 days. They do this by completing Form 8822-B, Change of Address or Responsible Party and mailing it to the address on the form.
 
  • Have all employees complete these forms:
    • Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
    • Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate
 
  • Pay business taxes. The form of business determines what taxes must be paid and how to pay them.
 
  • Visit state’s website. Prospective business owners should visit their state's website for info about state requirements

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720
0 Comments

The Oct. 15 deadline for extension filers is almost here

9/23/2020

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The October 15 filing deadline for taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2019 tax return is quickly approaching. Taxpayers should remember they can file whenever they’re ready and don’t have to wait until Thursday, Oct 15.
 
These tools are available at IRS.gov to help people with their taxes:
 
  •  IRS Free File and other electronic filing options. Taxpayers can file their tax return electronically for free through IRS Free File. Other electronic filing options include using a free tax return preparation site, commercial software or an authorized e-file provider.
 
  • Direct deposit for refunds. The fastest way for taxpayers to get their refund is to file electronically and use direct deposit. Refunds can be deposited in up to three accounts. Taxpayers can also use their refunds to purchase up to $5,000 in U.S. Series I Savings Bonds.
 
  • Online payment options. If an extension filer owes taxes, they should pay as much as possible by the Oct. 15 deadline to reduce interest and penalties. IRS Direct Pay allows individuals to securely pay from their checking or savings accounts. Visit IRS.gov for additional payment options.
 
  • Account information and tax records. Individual taxpayers can visit IRS.gov to manage their account. This includes viewing their balance and payment history, paying taxes and accessing tax records through Get Transcript.
 
These people may have more time to file their tax return:
 
  • Military members serving in a combat zone or a contingency operation in support of the Armed Forces generally get more time to file.
 
  • People who have a valid extension and are in – or affected by – a federally-declared disaster may be allowed more time to file.
 
Taxpayers should keep a copy of their tax return and all supporting documents for at least three years. 
​
"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720
0 Comments

Is a Tax Time Bomb Lurking in Your Paycheck?

9/21/2020

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Does your paycheck look a little higher than normal? If so, it could be a tax time bomb.
 

The Problem
 
A payroll tax deferral beginning September 1 was recently signed via a presidential executive order. The potential deferral of your portion of Social Security as an employee could raise your take home pay temporarily until January 2021. Beginning in 2021, the deferred Social Security will then need to be paid.
 
This year’s tax deferral is NOT currently a tax holiday. So if your employer removes your Social Security tax from your paycheck, there is a real possibility you will need to pay it back between January 2021 and April 2021. That could mean a pretty large tax bill for you in early 2021!
 
What you need to know

  • The payroll tax deferral is optional for most employers. Your employer is not required to defer your Social Security payments. However, federal employees will be seeing this tax reduction from September through December of this year. If your employer chooses to defer your Social Security taxes, in all likelihood, they will let you know.
  • Compare paychecks. If you are unsure whether your employer is participating in the tax deferral, get your last paycheck from August and compare it with your most recent paycheck. If the amounts are the same, then your Social Security and other taxes are still being withheld. If you notice that the amounts are different, or that no Social Security taxes are withheld from your current paycheck, then that’s a signal you may have a tax repayment bill in early 2021.
  • Remember to keep checking each paycheck. Companies are struggling to figure out if they are required to comply with the presidential executive order, payroll providers are trying to figure out how to comply and everyone is wondering whether the tax obligation will be permanently forgiven. So you will need to keep checking your paycheck throughout the balance of 2020.
  • Be prepared to pay it back. If taxes have been deferred from your paycheck through the end of 2020, be prepared to have your paycheck withholdings increase substantially beginning in 2021. If possible, open a savings account to set aside the taxes that were not withheld from your paychecks. When it comes time to pay your taxes, you will have funds to weather the repayment storm.
  • Check for updates. There’s a chance Congress passes a law that forgives the deferred taxes. If this happens, you will have a nice start on an emergency fund should you need it.
 
If you have any questions about how this payroll executive order affects you, please call.

​"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-372
0 Comments

Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes Due

9/14/2020

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If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. The third quarter due date is now here.
 
Due date: Tuesday, September 15th, 2020
 
Remember, you are required to withhold at least 90 percent of your current tax obligation or 100 percent of last year’s obligation.* A quick look at last year’s tax return and a projection of this year’s obligation can help determine if a payment is necessary. Here are some other things to consider:
 
  • Avoid an underpayment penalty. If you do not have proper tax withholdings during the year, you could be subject to an underpayment penalty. The penalty can occur if you do not have proper withholdings throughout the year.
 
  • W-2 withholdings have special treatment. A W-2 withholding payment can be made at any time during the year and be treated as if it was made throughout the year. If you do not have enough to pay the estimated quarterly payment now, you may be able to adjust your W-2 withholdings to make up the difference.
 
  • Self-employed need to account for FICA taxes. Remember to account for your Social Security and Medicare taxes as well. Creating and funding a savings account for this purpose can help avoid the cash flow hit each quarter when you pay your estimated taxes.
 
  • Don't forget state obligations. With the exception of a few states, you are often also required to make estimated state tax payments if you're required to do so for your federal taxes. Consider conducting a review of your state obligations to ensure you meet these quarterly estimated tax payments as well.
 
* If your income is over $150,000 ($75,000 if married filing separate), you must pay 110 percent of last year’s tax obligation to be safe from an underpayment penalty.

"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-3720
0 Comments

IRS to mail special letter to estimated 9 million non-filers, urging them to claim Economic Impact Payment by Oct. 15 at IRS.gov

9/10/2020

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WASHINGTON – Later this month, the Internal Revenue Service will start mailing letters to roughly 9 million Americans who typically don’t file federal income tax returns who may be eligible for, but have not registered to claim, an Economic Impact Payment. 
 
The letters will urge recipients to register at IRS.gov by Oct. 15 in order to receive their payment by the end of the year. Individuals can receive up to $1,200, and married couples can receive up to $2,400. People with qualifying children under age 17 at the end of 2019 can get up to an additional $500 for each qualifying child.
 
The letters are being sent to people who haven’t filed a return for either 2018 or 2019. Based on an internal analysis, these are people who don’t typically have a tax return filing requirement because they appear to have very low incomes, based on Forms W-2, 1099s and other third-party statements available to the IRS. But many in this group are still eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment.
 
“The IRS has made an unprecedented outreach effort to make sure people are aware of their potential eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment this year,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. “Millions who don’t normally file a tax return have already registered and received a payment. We are taking this extra step to help Americans who may not know they could be eligible for this payment or don’t know how to register for one. People who aren’t required to file a tax return can quickly register on IRS.gov and still get their money this year.”
 
The letter, officially known as IRS Notice 1444-A, is written in English and Spanish and includes information on eligibility criteria and how eligible recipients can claim an Economic Impact Payment on IRS.gov. The mailing, which will begin around Sept. 24, will be delivered from an IRS address. To help address fraud concern, a copy of the letter is available on IRS.gov.
 
If those receiving letters haven’t done so already, this letter urges eligible individuals to register by Oct. 15 for a payment by using the free Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info tool, available in English and Spanish and only on IRS.gov. More than 7 million people have used the Non-Filers tool so far to register for a payment. Those unable to access the Non-Filers tool may submit a simplified paper return following the procedures described in the Economic Impact Payment FAQs on IRS.gov.
 
The IRS reminds recipients that receiving a letter is not a guarantee of eligibility for an Economic Impact Payment. An individual is likely eligible if he or she is a U.S. citizen or resident alien; has a work-eligible Social Security number; and can’t be claimed as dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return. However, there can be a variety of situations that could affect an individual’s eligibility. For more information on eligibility requirements, recipients should read the Economic Impact Payment eligibility FAQs on IRS.gov.
 
The registration deadline for non-filers to claim an Economic Impact Payment through the Non-Filers tool is Oct. 15, 2020. People can also wait until next year and claim it as a credit on their 2020 federal income tax return by filing in 2021.
 
The IRS emphasizes that anyone required to file either a 2018 or 2019 tax return should file the tax return and not use the Non-Filers tool.
 
Don’t wait: Non-Filers can still get a payment; must act by Oct. 15
 
Though most Americans − more than 160 million in all − have already received their Economic Impact Payments, the IRS reminds anyone with little or no income who is not required to file a tax return that they may be eligible to receive an Economic Impact Payment. This is true regardless of whether they get a letter.
 
“Time is running out this year for the IRS to issue payments,” Rettig said. “People who normally don’t file a tax return shouldn’t wait to see if they receive one of these letters. They can review the guidelines and register now if they’re eligible.”
 
Available in both English and Spanish, the Non-Filers tool is designed for people with incomes typically below $24,400 for married couples, and $12,200 for singles. This includes couples and individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
 
People can qualify for a payment, even if they don’t work or have no earned income. But low- and moderate-income workers and working families eligible to receive special tax benefits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, cannot use this tool. They will need to file a regular return as soon as possible. The IRS will use their tax return information to determine and issue any EIP for which they are eligible.
 
Anyone using the Non-Filers tool can speed up the arrival of their payment by choosing to receive it by direct deposit. Those not choosing this option will get a check.
Beginning two weeks after they register, people can track the status of their payment using the Get My Payment tool, available only on IRS.gov.
 
Watch out for scams
The IRS urges everyone to be on the lookout for scams related to the Economic Impact Payments. In particular, watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to these payments. Be careful and cautious: The IRS will not send unsolicited electronic communications asking people to open attachments, visit a website or share personal or financial information.
 
Remember, go directly and solely to IRS.gov for official information. In particular, both the Non-Filers tool and the Get My Payment tool are available exclusively on IRS.gov. They are not available on any other web site.
 
For more Information on the Economic Impact Payment, including updated answers to frequently asked questions and other resources, visit IRS.gov/coronavirus.
​

​"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-372
0 Comments

Tax Shifting Ideas to Reduce Your Bill to Uncle Sam

9/8/2020

0 Comments

 
Is there a taxable income reduction idea you can use?
 
Many tax experts talk about shifting your tax burden from one year to the next. While in theory it may make sense, how can you make it work for you in practice?
 
The concept
 
Since the tax code is complex in its construction, there are often opportunities to reduce your tax burden by controlling the amount of your taxable income.
This is because:
  • Income tax rates vary from 0% to 37% depending on your income and filing status.
  • Many tax breaks have income limits.
  • Tax breaks have income phase-out ranges.
  • Incremental taxes like the alternative minimum tax are triggered by income level.
 
So if you can shift your income and expenses from one year to the next, you could create a net tax obligation for both years that might be lower than if you did nothing. Here are six great ideas to accomplish this.
 
Six great tax shifting ideas
 
Idea 1 - Know the rules. Identify whether you are a good candidate for using shifting as a tax planning strategy. For singles, the income tax rate increases 80% or more on earnings over $40,125. For married couples, that increase occurs with adjusted gross income over $80,250. But other tax benefits are lost at different income levels. Common tax breaks subject to income limits are child tax credits, earned income credits, educational credits, premium health care credits and many educational tax benefits.
 
Idea 2 - Load up your contributions. If you itemize your deductions, consider loading up your cash and non-cash contributions into the year that lowers more highly-taxed income. For example, you could shift next year’s donations to your church into this year. This bunching of itemized deductions into one year makes even more sense with the higher standard deductions introduced in 2018.
 
Idea 3 - Leverage the cash basis concept. You can take a deduction when you pay for it. A credit card receipt is good on the date you run the transaction and not when you pay your monthly bill to the credit card company. Knowing this, you could pay a property tax statement or a house payment either a little early or a little late to change whether that deduction occurs in this year or next.
 
Idea 4 - Stop working. There are many cases when this technique is an important tax shifting tool. The most common example applies to those who are under the full retirement age and receiving Social Security benefits. If this applies to you, consider actively managing your part-time work or you could end up paying taxes on some of your Social Security benefits or even losing some of them. Work can also hurt your tax situation when a dependent’s wages put you over the earnings threshold to receive the Health Insurance Premium Tax Credit. It may make sense to stop working or arrange to get your last paycheck delayed into the following year.
 
Idea 5 - Manage retirement plan distributions. Those over age 59½ can use distributions from pre-tax retirement plans to tightly control their taxable income. Your withdrawal calculation should include evaluating how to maximize the tax efficiency of your income. An analysis may indicate it is better to take out a little more this year to get these retirement earnings taxed at a lower rate than if you waited until next year.
 
Idea 6 - Manage your stock and investment sales. You have up to $3,000 in investment losses that can offset your higher-taxed ordinary income. Use this to your advantage when deciding whether to take a stock loss this year or next. If done correctly, you can match your stock loss against ordinary income which is taxed at a higher rate.
 
By shifting your taxable income to the right level, you can often reduce your tax bill. Please call if you wish to have a review of your situation.

​"Tax Tips" are published to provide current tax information, tax-cutting suggestions, and tax reminders. If you would like more information on anything in "Tax Tips," or if you'd like to be on our mailing list to receive other tax information from time to time, please contact our office.
 
The tax information contained in this site is of a general nature and should not be acted upon in your specific situation without further details and/or professional assistance.
 
We are trusted CPA advisors servicing Burr Ridge, Hinsdale, Willowbrook, Darien, Naperville, and all Chicagoland area. 

Do you need assistance with your business and/or personal tax returns? Would you like to have a trusted source for your accounting, allowing you additional time to focus on increasing your business? Do you use QuickBooks, or plan to in the future, for your accounting? We include these in all our service packages, customized to fit your personal or business needs.   
 
We are currently accepting new clients. Your initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our experienced staff is available to help you streamline your accounting, giving you more free time for yourself. Set up an appointment today by calling (630) 320-3720 or email us at info@monarchaccountinggroup.com. 
 
For more free resources, such as Tax Rates, Tax Organizers, and Record Retention Schedules, access our website www.monarchaccountinggroup.com.

Monarch Accounting Group, Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 4
Burr Ridge, IL 60527
Phone (630) 320-372
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Phone: (630) 320-3720

Monarch Accounting Group Inc
145 Tower Drive, Suite 10
Burr Ridge, IL 60527-7836
Email: Info@MonarchAccountingGroup.com


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