10 Tax Strategies and 5 That Are DOA
Written by: Rachael DeCosta CDFA®
April is barely in our rear-view, and taxes remain top of mind. 2022 was a challenging year for many. Did you, or someone you know, pay capital gains in a challenging market, exercise options with considerable tax consequences, sell highly appreciated assets, experience a sudden wealth event, earn substantial income without significant deductions? There are many, often fortuitous, life events that trigger higher than anticipated tax liabilities.
"There is nothing certain in this world except death and taxes." - Benjamin Franklin
While it may be too late for 2022, by implementing one or more of the following 10 Tax Planning Strategies you may be able to mitigate your tax liability going forward:
- Charitable giving: Donating to qualified charitable organizations can provide tax benefits through deductions and potential exemptions. Wealthy individuals often establish charitable foundations or donor-advised funds to manage and optimize their philanthropic efforts while also reducing their tax liabilities.
- Estate planning: Effective estate planning can help minimize estate taxes and maximize the wealth transfer to future generations. Strategies may include setting up trusts, a family limited partnership (FLP), gifting assets, and utilizing strategies such as the annual gift tax exclusion or the lifetime estate and gift tax exemption.
- Tax-efficient investments: Investing in offerings such as tax-exempt municipal bonds, Opportunity Zone Projects and 1031 Exchange Strategies may help reduce the tax burden on investment income, capital gains, and/or dividends.
- Capital Gains and Losses: Managing capital gains and losses is crucial for tax optimization. Individuals may strategically time the sale of assets to maximize tax benefits, such as taking advantage of lower capital gains tax rates or offsetting gains with losses.
- Offshore Accounts and Tax Havens: Exploring offshore accounts or establishing residency in low-tax jurisdictions to minimize tax liability, is a strategy employed by a subset of wealthy individuals. It is essential to comply with tax laws and regulations, as improper use of offshore structures can lead to legal consequences.
- Asset allocation: Optimizing tax efficiency by allocating assets in different types of accounts is a strategy often employed. For example, holding income-generating assets in tax-advantaged accounts and investments with lower tax implications in taxable accounts.
- Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Taking advantage of tax-advantaged accounts can be beneficial. When possible, contributing to retirement accounts like 401(k)s or Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) can provide tax deductions or tax-free growth, depending on the type of account and the jurisdiction. In 2023, the “backdoor Roth IRA” remains an option for those above the income limits to open a Roth IRA directly.
- Tax-efficient business structures: Utilizing tax-efficient business structures such as limited liability companies (LLCs), S corporations, or partnerships can offer tax advantages and flexibility in managing and distributing income.
- Insurance and Annuities: Integrating certain insurance and annuity products can provide tax advantages. For example, cash value life insurance policies may allow tax-deferred growth, and annuities can provide tax-advantaged retirement income.
- Tax Planning and Structuring: Engaging in comprehensive tax planning to identify and uncover strategies to legally mitigate tax liabilities is crucial. This may involve intricate and sophisticated structuring of assets, investments, and business.
There is no “I” in “TEAM”. It is important to note that tax strategies can be complex and vary depending on individual circumstances and the jurisdiction in which you reside. It is always recommended to consult with your team of trusted advisors including your qualified tax professional, estate and trust attorney and financial advisor. Each situation is unique, and there is not one size fits all for tax, estate and financial planning.
In conclusion, and just for fun, the following are 5 ABSOLUTELY NOT LEGITIMATE Tax Strategies:
- Declare your pet as a dependent. Even if you love your furry 4-legged friend at times more than your 2-legged ones, the IRS does not consider Fido a dependent.
- Use Monopoly money to pay your taxes. Flimsy pink, blue, green, yellow and white currency provided by Hasbro will not be accepted by tax authorities.
- Deduct your daily coffee as a "research expense". While it may help you stay productive, claiming your daily caffeine fix as a research expense is unlikely to pass IRS scrutiny.
- Declare your house as a tax-exempt sovereign nation. Establishing your home as an independent nation and claiming a tax exemption based on diplomatic immunity is entirely fictional and has no basis in reality.
And, my personal favorite … - Create a "Tax Fairy" fund hoping that it will magically reduce your tax liability! Not happening.
If you do not currently work with a financial professional and would like a complimentary consultation to explore how tax favored strategies are incorporated into investment strategy and financial planning, please reach out to me at rachael@sandboxfp.com or feel free to schedule time to meet by clicking on the following link: Complimentary Consult with Rachael DeCosta