2023 Tax Tips From a Retired Tax Accountant

Professional tax tips can be very helpful when saving taxes. You should always be diplomatic when making financial decisions such as filing your income tax. You can make significant savings in the current fiscal year and in the future by planning well. Strategic planning can also maximize retirement savings.

Another benefit of tax planning is the reduction of costs for education and mitigation of real estate taxes. We all want to have more cash flow to achieve our financial goals. Professional tax planning is the cornerstone for financial management.

In 2023, new laws and updates will be made to return forms

In the United States, there have been several legislative changes that have changed the tax system over the past few years. These include:

The SECURE Act

We have updated the tax tips below based on these changes.

Modifications to the standard business mileage rate

With the new rate effective January 1, the standard business mileage rate was changed. The revised rate of 65.5 cents per miles is 3 cents higher than that in the second half 2022. The rate was increased by 4 cents in the first half last year. This rate applies to hybrid and electric cars.

Credit for child tax

In 2022, the government cut the child tax credit and dependent care tax credit. These tax credits were temporarily increased by the American Rescue Plan (2021). The modified tax breaks will no longer be valid in 2023.

The enhanced credit for child taxes would allow individuals who have children aged 6-17 years to be eligible for a tax credit. The maximum amount available would be $3,000. Children under six years old were eligible for a maximum of $3,000. This amount was reduced to $2,000 by the authorities in 2022 for dependent children under 16.

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Credit has undergone some changes starting in 2021. These changes will also apply in 2023. The credit is available to more working families and workers with investment income. It depends on how many children you have and your filing status. The tax credit ranges between $600 and $7,430 for the 2023 tax year. Also, the investment income limit was increased from $10.300 in 2022 up to $11,000 by 2023.

Clean Vehicles Credit

The Clean Vehicles Credit has been increased to $7,500 by the tax authorities under Section 30D of the Internal Revenue Code. If you purchased an electric vehicle after August 16, 2022, ensure that the final assembly is done in the USA. You must also adhere to additional restrictions for vehicles bought in 2023.

To make the most of your tax savings, here are some tax tips for 2023

Are you ready to plan your tax strategy for 2023? These professional tax tips will help you save money on taxes in 2023.

Tax withholding issues?

Your recruiter may withhold funds to process your paycheck due to the US's 'pay-as-you go' income tax model. Freelancers must pay the taxes quarterly. If you don't pay taxes on time, you could face a penalty.

To determine the amount they took from your paycheck, your recruiter will use the W-4 form. This tax form details the estimated tax deductions as well as the filing status. To make informed decisions when filing your returns, you should review this form together with the withheld amount as the end of the financial calendar approaches.

To calculate current withholdings, many people use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator tool. You can also estimate the tentative returns with this tool. You can submit the W-4 forms updated at any time to you employer. Before the first payroll period begins, the company must make the required changes.

Take into account your withholdings

Tax savings can be maximized by carefully evaluating your paycheck withholds. The average tax refund in 2022 was $3,039. That's approximately $250 per month. This return was more than 7 percent higher than 2021. Talk to your accountant about your paycheck withholdings.

If you withhold very little tax, you could face a penalty. You can change your payroll tax withholdings at any time.

Contributions to your retirement account should be increased

Contributing to your retirement account can allow you to take advantage of tax deductions. Contributing to a 401(k), or 403(b), can help reduce your taxable income. These are three tax strategies and tips that you can use to reduce your tax burden.

Roth or Roth IRA contributions can be made to a 401(k) to receive tax-free retirement benefits.

Your health savings account (HSA), should be your primary focus

Is your employer offering a high-deductible plan (HDHP), for you? Before you file your taxes in 2023, make sure you check if you have an HSA. This could help you to save money on your medical bills.

These expenses have three tax benefits.

The amount that is withdrawn to pay qualified medical expenses is exempted from tax

Your flexible spending account (FSA), can be used to your advantage

Professional accountants recommend that you open a flexible spending account in order to maximize your income tax savings for 2023. Prescription medicines and elder care expenses can reduce your tax burden as they are paid by your employer. To help employees maximize their tax benefits every year, the IRS has made a number of changes. If you don't make the most of these benefits, you could lose money on taxes.

Contribute towards your college savings

Two ways the 529 Plan can help reduce your income tax are available. To contribute to the plan, you will need to use your after taxation income. The earnings from this plan are also exempt from tax. The government does not impose taxes on amounts you use to pay for education expenses. Contributions to the 529 Plan could be eligible for income tax deductions by the state.

You can also use the funds for secondary and elementary school expenses, apprenticeship programs, or training in religious schools or home-schooling.

Tax credits available for energy-efficient houses

Enjoy a greener home, and take advantage of the tax incentives. To increase energy efficiency, homeowners can get a threefold tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009). Tax credits have a greater impact on your tax bill than deductions. Tax deductions reduce your taxable income. Tax credits, on the other hand can help homeowners reduce the amount of taxes they owe to the government.

You can get up to 26% back if you have a solar energy system or geothermal heatpump installed before January 20, 2023. The tax credit will likely fall to 22% by 2024.

California's cost to install a solar energy system is about $14,000. You can save $3666 if you install it by 2022.

Installing Energy Star-certified furnaces and boilers can also earn you tax credits.

Transfer your bonuses and payments to another date

It's not easy to defer your year-end payments from an employer. If you're able to negotiate with your employer and build goodwill, delaying your bonuses could help you save taxes. These payments can be received in January if the situation is favorable.

Freelancers and contractors should delay receiving their payments until December. You get paid only in January. You are putting off the payments to get lower income tax burdens. First, determine the year that it would be best for you to earn this amount.

Don't forget to make charitable donations

Many people in high tax brackets consider charitable donations a viable strategy for reducing their tax burdens. Don't forget to transfer any financial aid you give to charities or NGOs before the end of the financial year. These donations can be deducted up to 50% from your taxable income.

Not all donations qualify for tax benefits. Take a look at this database that lists the tax-exempt organizations of the IRS. You will also need to have the tax identification numbers of valid non-profit organizations. After you have verified your credentials, you are able to make charitable donations.

All tax credits and deductions are available

These are just a few of the tax tips, deductions, and credits that you can use in addition to the ones listed above.

The interest paid on your property loan would qualify for tax exemption. Child tax credit (CTC), norms are available if you have a child living with you. Tax savings can be achieved by purchasing an EV. However, make sure you get a qualified vehicle. If you bought an EV last year check if it is eligible to save you more tax.

Combining your medical costs

The medical expenses incurred in the last year can help tax payers save significant tax. Before you file your taxes, make sure to add all of these expenses together. The IRS allows you to deduct medical expenses exceeding your AGI by 7.5%.

It is why tax accountants who are experienced recommend that you group all of your medical expenses into one financial year. You should not overlook any bills that you pay for hospital visits, surgery, prescription medications, hearing aids, glasses, or preventive care. You should also consider the cost of transportation and any costs associated with seeking mental healthcare.

If you feel that your medical expenses are approaching the 7.5% mark, you should make sure to pay the maximum amount by December. If you are looking to get new glasses or your teeth fixed, make sure it is done before the end of the previous year. If you're not at the 7.5% mark, delay non-urgent medical expenses to January 2024. You can thus save taxes for the following financial year.

Conclusion

You are now better equipped to save taxes. Talk to your accountant to plan your expenses strategically. You have many other options to save income tax. Diversify your investments to take advantage of tax exemption schemes if you are a high-income person. To reduce their tax burden, many Americans invest in tax-saving mutual fund to help them.

Timing your business's losses and profits can help you to manage your tax burden. Without expert guidance and thorough tax tips, wealth management can be difficult. To maximize your tax savings, you might consider consulting an experienced tax accountant as you plan your expenses.