tax rate - Linkenheimer LLP CPAs & Advisors

Why the “Kiddie Tax” is Potentially More Dangerous Than Ever

Once upon a time, some parents and grandparents would attempt to save tax by putting investments in the names of their young children or grandchildren in lower income tax brackets. To discourage such strategies, Congress created the “kiddie” tax back in 1986. Since then, this tax has gradually become more far-reaching. Now, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the kiddie tax has become more dangerous than ever.

A short history

Years ago, the kiddie tax applied only to children under age 14 — which still provided families with ample opportunity to enjoy significant tax savings from income shifting. In 2006, the tax was expanded to children under age 18. And since 2008, the kiddie tax has generally applied to children under age 19 and to full-time students under age 24 (unless the students provide more than half of their own support from earned income).

What about the kiddie tax rate? Before the TCJA, for children subject to the kiddie tax, any […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2018-07-24T20:13:55+00:00July 24th, 2018|child, New Tax Laws, tax, tax rate|0 Comments

3 Traditional Mid-Year Tax Planning Strategies for Individuals that Hold Up Post-TCJA

With its many changes to individual tax rates, brackets and breaks, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) means taxpayers need to revisit their tax planning strategies. Certain strategies that were once tried-and-true will no longer save or defer tax. But there are some that will hold up for many taxpayers. And they’ll be more effective if you begin implementing them this summer, rather than waiting until year end. Take a look at these three ideas, and contact us to discuss what midyear strategies make sense for you.

Look at your bracket

Under the TCJA, the top income tax rate is now 37% (down from 39.6%) for taxpayers with taxable income over $500,000 (single and head-of-household filers) or $600,000 (married couples filing jointly). These thresholds are higher than for the top rate in 2017 ($418,400, $444,550 and $470,700, respectively). So the top rate might be less of a concern.

However, singles and heads of households in the middle and upper brackets could be pushed into a higher tax bracket much more quickly this year. For example, for 2017 the threshold for the 33% tax bracket was $191,650 for singles and $212,500 for heads of households. […]

By Linkenheimer LLP|2018-07-17T18:59:48+00:00July 17th, 2018|investment, medical deduction, New Tax Laws, tax planning, tax rate|0 Comments

Highlights of the New Tax Deal

39.6% Tax Rate for Incomes Above $400,000 ($450,000 for Families)
All Other Bush-Era Tax Rates Extended
20% Maximum Capital Gains/ Dividend Tax Rate
Maximum 40% Estate/ Gift Tax Rate
Permanent AMT Patch
Five-Year Extension of Enhanced Education Credit
One-Year Extension of Many Business Extenders
Over 30 Extenders Retroactive to Start of 2012

By Linkenheimer LLP|2013-01-09T22:18:00+00:00January 9th, 2013|american, amt patch, business extenders, education credit, extension, Highlights of the New Tax Deal, tax rate, taxpayer relief act|0 Comments