As we come to the end of 2017, there’s a final chance to take advantage of remaining 2017 opportunities and to begin positioning for 2018. If the House and Senate agree on and pass a tax code revision this year (and the President signs it), we’ll publish our take on what that means for the various components of our clientele. This article focuses on remaining 2017 opportunities.
Fund Your IRA
Even if you participate in your employer’s 401(k) plan, consider setting up (if you don’t already have one) and funding an IRA this year (or making a contribution if you have one). For many of our clients, your IRA contribution won’t be tax deductible and they won’t qualify for a Roth IRA. But, in 2017, the opportunity to make a non-deductible contribution remains open for everyone and clients have the right to change their minds later on and recharacterize that contribution to a Roth.
We’ve written previously about the wonder of self-directed IRAs for opening up the investment horizon to rental real estate, tax liens, promissory notes, and other options not available through brokerage-administered IRAs. All that remains true and we’re working on an update.
For clients who are hitting their maximum deferred compensation limits of $18,000 for 2017, reducing any unmatched amounts to allow for an IRA contribution makes sense since clients then have more control of their investment options. This is even true for those who have access to the Federal government’s Thrift Savings Program — we recommend that any amounts saved for retirement beyond 5% of pay be contributed to an IRA rather than the TSP (yes, we’ve taken the ultra-low-cost TSP administration fees into account in making the recommendation). The same logic applies to 401(k) plans in general. Clients should plan on making an IRA contribution in 2018 and adjust their payroll withholdings accordingly.
Charitable Contributions
Charitable contributions remain deductible for 2017 so we recommend clients take a few minutes to review their charity list from previous years and to take a look at funding some new ones. Many states have a “double dipping” list of charities and even tax credits that make giving to specific types of charities a dollar-for-dollar reduction up to the taxpayer’s state liability. In Arizona, for example, donations to charities that qualify as “Qualifying Charitable Organizations” that support foster care or the working poor reduce taxpayer liability in the amount of the contribution up to $400. Arizona allows these contributions to made up to the return due date of April 17, 2018.
We hope folks don’t forget local schools contributions as an option either especially if there is a local tax credit available in their states.
Tax-Free Medical Funds
Many clients set aside pre-tax funds in the various options (MSAs, HSAs, FSAs). Review those if yours has a “use-it-or-lose-it” component and get to the dentist or whatever. If an individual or family has met their health plan’s deductible, getting elective procedures or tests done this year will save, especially if meeting the deductible next year isn’t likely. Think about how much to set aside for 2018 and remember that FSAs now have the ability to roll over limited amounts rather than simply losing them.
Tax Loss Harvesting
If clients have had a windfall sale during the year, now’s the time to sell portfolio holdings at a loss, especially if a similar (but not identical) asset (not the same one) is available for immediate purchase with the freed up funds. Clients should avoid triggering the IRS’s wash sale rules by repurchasing the exact same asset just sold.
Prepaying Tuition
This may be the last time this one works. The Hope or Lifetime Learning credits are still available for 2017.
Small Business Deductions
This is the true engine of wealth generation — investing in productive assets. Major asset acquisitions that can still be deferred to 2018 may get a better treatment by doing so. For most filers, though, this won’t make a difference and we recommend taking the deduction in 2017.
Summary List
This list summarizes the article’s points and adds items to consider for your upcoming filing.
- Penalties for early withdrawal of savings
- Alimony paid
- Student loan interest
- Prescription eyeglasses, contacts, and hearing aids
- Crutches, canes, and orthopedic shoes
- Medical transportation costs
- Cost of alcohol or drug abuse treatments
- Charitable contributions
- Local and state income taxes
- Personal property taxes or real estate taxes
- Points paid for a mortgage or refinancing a home
- Unreimbursed employee business expenses
- Mileage and other expenses associated with volunteer work
- Casualty and theft losses
- Tax preparation software and tax-preparation fees
As always, our articles are not intended to be specific advice. We publish them to stimulate discussions with each client so please contact us with your thoughts and questions regarding the points you found interesting or relevant to your situation. We’re awaiting your email or message.