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2017 Year End Tax Planning Tips

Narelle MacKenzie was interviewed by San Diego’s KUSI 9 on year end tax planning tips in light of tax reform. Some of the items discussed were:

  • Deferring or accelerating income depending upon your expected tax rate for the year
  • Accelerating deductions for state income taxes since there will be no deduction in 2018
  • Accelerating your itemized deductions such as charitable contributions if you will be claiming the standard deduction next year
  • Accelerating alimony payments since under the House version of the tax reform bill there will be no income tax deduction in 2018.

She did not have time to cover the changes in the deductibility of mortgage interest, however it’s important to note that there will no deduction for interest on equity lines of credit; even if you are able to itemize your deductions. Please consult with your local CPA on your optimal year end tax planning.

There are also significant changes in the international tax area. Including potential US tax for foreign partners upon the sale of their interest US partnerships. Also an opportunity to rethink the location of Intellectual Partnership (IP”) and possibly migrating the IP back to the USA for a low effective tax rate. Additionally, even if your foreign operations did not throw off subpart F income, any accumulated earnings in your foreign corporations (if they are CFCs) will result in an income inclusion and US tax, based on the balance at January 1, 2018.

Please feel free to contact your CPA or Narelle MacKenzie for additional insights.

Additional Resources

Year End Tax Planning Tips – 2017

Unreimbursed Employee Expenses

2018 Tax Rate Tables – better or worse

Scott2017 Year End Tax Planning Tips
Americans are missing out on tax deductions

Americans are missing out on tax deductions

SAN DIEGO- Tax day is less than one month away. A local CPA says Americans are missing out on deductions. Some apply to people who claim the standard deduction and don’t itemize.

If you pay rent, you may be eligible for the California Nonrefundable Renter’s Credit. Single filers can are eligible for a $60 credit. Married couples that file together get $120. Did you move for a job last year? Even if you take the standard deduction and you didn’t itemize, you can deduct any moving cost not covered by your employer.

For those of you who do itemize, CPA and San Diego State University  lecturer, Narelle Mackenzie says you’re allowed to deduct other work related expenses. “If you’re an employee and your employer doesn’t reimburse you for all your expenses that’s another example of where you can claim mileage. If you’re traveling away from home you can claim 50% of your meals.”

The CW6 – March 16, 2017 by Amy Dupont

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ScottAmericans are missing out on tax deductions