Category: Tax Year 2023

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2024 Tax Filing

Posted by admin on December 14, 2023
Last modified: December 14, 2023

In anticipation of the upcoming 2024 tax season, it is crucial to proactively prepare for any potential alterations that could affect your tax filing process. Whether you are a seasoned tax filer or venturing into the world of tax filing for the first time, navigating the tax season can be quite daunting.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for the upcoming tax season in 2024, we have curated this indispensable handbook. It will equip you with the necessary information to accurately and efficiently file your tax returns for the year 2023.

2023 Tax Filing Important Dates and Deadlines 

Marking the beginning of the 2024 tax cycle, January 23, 2024, signifies the commencement of the official new tax season.

If the tax deadline is approaching and you cannot file your taxes, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to request an extension. One way to do this is by submitting IRS Form 4868, which is known as the Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Please be aware that while this affords you extra time for tax filing purposes, it does not grant you an extension for tax payment. Should you be unable to settle your taxes in full by April 15, it is crucial to establish a payment plan with the IRS to prevent any detrimental consequences, including wage garnishment or the imposition of a tax lien.

2024 tax filing

2024 Tax Law Changes and Updates

The upcoming 2023 tax return brings numerous modifications and revisions that might affect your financial situation. Among these alterations, the elevated standard tax deduction is a prominent highlight, as it undergoes regular adjustments to accommodate inflation rates. Individuals filing as single will witness a noteworthy increase of $900, resulting in a new standard deduction of $13,850.

Married individuals filing jointly can take advantage of a higher standard tax deduction for the 2023 tax year. This year, their standard deduction will see a significant increase of $1,800 compared to the previous year, totaling a generous $27,700.

Apart from the rise in the standard deduction, a few other factors could potentially influence your tax situation.

2024 Child Tax Credit

In the upcoming tax year of 2023, the Child Tax Credit will revert to its pre-COVID regulations, just as it did in the previous year of 2022. Consequently, the tax credit will no longer be entirely refundable, only allowing for a refund of up to $1,600.

To be eligible for the full credit, individuals must have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) equal to or less than $200,000 ($400,000 or less for those who are married and filing jointly).

2024 Income Tax Credit

In 2024, individuals filing taxes for the 2023 tax year can avail of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which ranges from $600 to $7,430. The amount eligible for this credit is determined by income level, number of dependents, and tax filing status. If individuals do not have qualifying children, they must be between the ages of 25 and 65 to claim the EITC.

Number of Qualifying Children and Maximum Credit Amount:

  • $600 Max Tax Credit with 0 Children
  • $3,995 Max Tax Credit with 1 Child
  • $6,604 Max Tax Credit with 2 Children
  • $7,430 Max Tax Credit with 3+ Children

2024 Annual Gift Tax

In the upcoming year of 2023, individuals can take advantage of the 2024 annual gift tax deduction, allowing them to gift up to $17,000 ($34,000 if married) without incurring any taxes.

Health Savings Account (HSA) in 2024

In the upcoming tax year of 2023, individuals are granted the opportunity to contribute to their Health Savings Account (HAS) up to a maximum of $3,850. This equates to a $200 increase compared to the previous year. For those who have chosen family coverage, the contribution limit is set at $7,750.

The benefits of HSAs are threefold when it comes to taxes:

  1. Individuals can deduct 100% of their contributions from their tax burden.
  2. Any interest earned within the HSA remains tax-deferred unless it is used for non-medical expenses.
  3. When funds are withdrawn for eligible medical expenses, they are entirely tax-free.

2024 IRA & 410(k) Contributions Tax Deduction 

In the upcoming year of 2023, individuals who contribute to their 401(k) plans will be thrilled to learn that the annual deferral limits have experienced a significant jump, with up to $2,000 to increase from 2022.

The contribution limits for taxpayers aged 50 or above have been revised, allowing them to increase their investments in traditional and safe harbor 401(k) plans. Specifically, individuals in this age group can now contribute an extra $7,500, a notable increase from the previous year’s limit of $6,500.

In the realm of individual retirement accounts, specifically the traditional and Roth IRA, it is important to note the contribution limit for the year 2023. This limit stands at $6,500, although individuals who have reached the age of 50 or older are allowed to contribute up to $7,500. However, it is crucial to be aware of potential adjustments to your contribution amount in the case of a Roth IRA. These adjustments are dependent on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI)

2024 Student Loan Interest Tax Deduction

With the resumption of student loan payments and the return of accruing interest, there is a potential opportunity to claim a deduction of up to $2,500 on your 2023 tax return. To be eligible for this deduction, individuals must have a MAGI of less than $90,000 (single, qualifying widow(er), or head of household) or $180,000 if they are married and filing jointly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Taxes in 2024

Once you have assembled the essential paperwork, it is crucial to adhere to the comprehensive tax filing guide provided below. Following these step-by-step instructions will ensure a seamless and accurate procedure.

Opt for a tax preparation approach like utilizing tax preparation software or seeking advice from a tax professional. Should you opt for the traditional paper tax return, it is important to remember that the processing time may extend up to six months. E-filing is strongly recommended whenever feasible.

To ensure the accuracy and completeness of your tax return, it is important to input all relevant information into PriorTax. Remember to sign and date your return and attach any necessary tax documents, forms, and schedules if filing by mail. Remember, the deadline to submit your tax return is April 15.

When managing your taxes, don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Tax Professionals at PriorTax. PriorTax understands the importance of affordable tax preparation for individuals and small business owners, offering services tailored to your specific needs. Additionally, we are dedicated to assisting you in resolving any tax debt issues you may face. Take the first step towards financial peace of mind by connecting with your dedicated Tax Professional, free of charge.

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Category: Tax Deductions and Credits, Tax News, Tax Year 2023
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2023 Year End Charitable Donations for Tax Filing

Posted by admin on December 7, 2023
Last modified: December 7, 2023

Planning your 2023 Year End Charitable Donations for Tax Filing

Towards the year’s close, many individuals are looking towards charitable donations as part of their financial strategy. From November to December, philanthropy takes center stage as people use this time to make donations that could prove essential for charities reliant on contributions from individual donors. The two months leading up to the end of the year is typically referred to as “the giving season,” and it provides a valuable opportunity for those wishing to give back.

The end of the year is often a time of generosity and showing appreciation for all that has been bestowed upon us. A survey conducted by Fidelity reveals that three out of five people plan to participate in philanthropic activities before the year’s end. Charitable giving is one such avenue for Americans to assist those with less luck.

To ensure the charity you select is authentic, verify it has obtained 501(c)(3) status from the Internal Revenue Service. This information can easily be found by consulting the IRS’s database of tax-exempt organizations or obtaining help from a PriorTax Tax Professional. In addition, many nonprofits will advertise their 501(c)(3) standing on their website or other publications.

charitable donation

Increasing Necessity for Charitable Donations

This year, the deficit is very significant due to the ongoing economic repercussions of COVID-19. Consequently, many unemployed individuals have sought assistance from food banks and other charitable organizations. Simultaneously, due to social distancing regulations, revenue has diminished for various entities that typically rely on in-person contributions, including faith groups and art organizations.

Making charitable donations may be a way to lessen your tax responsibilities, but there are alterations in the tax code that affect how these contributions are factored in. Here’s an overview of what you need to understand about the charitable donations tax deduction.

Charitable Donations in 2023

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 has enabled generous individuals to reduce their taxable income in 2018 through 2025 potentially. For cash donations, donors may be able to subtract up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) when giving to certain organizations. Additionally, those donating stock can enjoy a reduction of 30% off their AGI for such contributions.

Charitable donations by individuals are not limited to nonoperating private foundations; they can also include public charities and other private foundations. Should the qualifying cash contributions exceed the 60% ceiling for the given tax year of the donation, it may be carried forward to future years for up to five years.

Regarding charitable giving, it’s not only about the act of giving but also considering how that action fits into your tax strategy. As a reminder, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) usually releases its annual inflation adjustments in the late fall for the upcoming year. It’s important to keep this information in mind when planning out your donations and other taxation decisions.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s a great opportunity for individuals to consider their tax situation and charitable giving. It is important to properly organize your charitable giving in order to maximize tax savings. Here are a few steps to consider when doing so:

Secure your Receipts

For those looking to get the tax deduction associated with charitable donations, it is important to make sure that you possess a receipt for all contributions. This applies no matter which form of donation you choose on December 31st, whether by cash, check, credit card, or even non-cash items such as clothing and furniture. Unfortunately, any kind of anonymous giving like coins thrown into a collection bucket does not qualify. It is essential to have proof to be able to use the donation as an offset on your taxes when filing with the IRS.

Check the charity’s policy before you load up the trunk.

When looking at eligible donations for tax deductions, the condition of the items is a significant element. The IRS does not indicate any specific prices related to the quality of the items, but charities do. Additionally, there are other regulations stipulated by the IRS concerning such donations. During the 2020 pandemic, many organizations ceased accepting physical goods as gifts; however, some have restarted retaking them. Be sure to confirm with your desired charity before delivering any goods.

Itemize your Charitable Donations for Tax Filing 

The government’s tax code makes a significant change for 2023, with the cash deduction rising to 60% from 50% while also increasing the standard deduction for married couples filing jointly to a total of $27,700. However, itemizing these deductions has become more difficult, and limits have been placed on how much homeowners can deduct in terms of real estate taxes and mortgage interest.

The combined total deduction rate for income, state, and property taxes has a maximum of $10,000. Because of these changes, it is now more difficult to surpass the standard deduction threshold in any given year through charitable contributions alone. Sax revealed that couples who take full advantage of the $10,000 state and local tax deductions and lack mortgage interest would have to donate at least $15,900 to itemize their deductions.

When filing your taxes, you can only claim a charitable donation deduction if you decide to itemize. To qualify for itemizing, add up all of your deductible expenses and make sure they exceed the standard deduction set by the IRS for 2023.

Taxpayers seeking to itemize their deductions in 2024 should note the following amounts: single taxpayers and married couples filing separately can deduct up to $13,850; those who file as head of household have a threshold of $20,800, while married couples filing jointly and surviving spouses may itemize up to $27,700.

When it comes to itemizing deductions for the 2024 tax year, the specifics are as follows: those who file single or married filing separately must have an amount of more than $14,600; meanwhile, head of household taxpayers must surpass a figure of $21,900; lastly, married filing jointly and surviving spouses need to be above $29,200.

Bunching Donations for Maximizing your Tax Refund

He advised those who were philanthropic and had the means to do so to bunch their donations. This would mean combining two years’ worth of charity contributions through money or stock giving. Doing this could help the donor slip into a lower tax bracket.

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD).

Retirees who don’t need their IRA funds can take advantage of the Individual Retirement Account (IRA) Charitable Rollover, which allows them to make tax-free contributions of up to $100,000 directly from their IRAs. This is a qualified charitable distribution and simplifies the process for those interested in donating to charities.

Whenever your need advise with Charitable Donations for Tax filing, find your dedicated tax professionals at PriorTax to walk you trough from start to finish for free.

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Category: Tax Deductions and Credits, Tax for Business, Tax Tips and Tricks, Tax Year 2023
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1099-K for TPSO Reporting Delay For Tax Year 2023

Posted by admin on November 23, 2023
Last modified: November 23, 2023

IRS Announced 1099-K Form for TPSO Reporting Delay For Tax Year 2023

The IRS has announced a postponement of Form 1099-K reporting requirements for third-party platforms in 2023. Instead, the current threshold of $5,000 will be implemented in 2024 as a gradual transition period.

For the upcoming tax season, the IRS has pushed back its initial reporting threshold for third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs) to take effect. The American Rescue Plan 2021 requires that transactions over $600 in Tax Year 2023 not be reported on IRS Form 1099-K by TPSOs or the payee. This decision affects popular companies such as Venmo and PayPal.

The IRS has ruled that the existing 1099-K reporting threshold for the tax year 2023 will remain the same, being payments of more than $20,000 in total from over 200 individual transactions.

Here are the Details of the 1099-K Form Reporting Delay

To minimize taxpayer misconception and confusion, the IRS issued Notice 2023-74, announcing that the new $600 Form 1099-K reporting threshold for third-party settlement organizations has been postponed until calendar year 2023. The decision was based on an analysis of feedback from taxpayers, tax professionals, as well as payment processors.

To reduce potential confusion, the IRS has declared that 2023 is to be viewed as a transition year regarding the new law. The agency will only require reporting if a taxpayer receives more than $20,000 and they have engaged in more than 200 transactions during that year. This has been put into effect due to the estimated 44 million Forms 1099-K being sent out to unsuspecting taxpayers who may not owe any tax.

In order to ensure stakeholder certainty and help individual taxpayers comprehend the intricacies of the new provision, the IRS is proposing a phase-in for the $600 reporting threshold in 2024. This would involve setting a threshold of $5,000 for tax year 2024 as stipulated by the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

In response to the valuable input of those within the tax community, the IRS is mulling over potential updates to Form 1040 and its associated schedules for 2024. Making changes to this essential form – which serves over 150 million taxpayers annually – requires much consideration and analysis, hence why these changes are planned for 2024 to gain further feedback from stakeholders.

Beginning in 2022, the American Rescue Plan has mandated that any third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs), including digital payment apps and online marketplaces, must report payments of more than $600 for goods and services on a Form 1099-K. This form will be sent to taxpayers and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to assist them in correctly completing their tax returns. Prior to this regulation, only transactions that amounted to more than $20,000 through at least 200 sales per annum were required to submit such paperwork.

1099-K

The IRS Temporarily Delayed the New 1099-K Requirement.

When it comes to personal transactions such as presents for a birthday or special occasion, sharing the cost of a car ride or dinner with someone, or paying another person for a household expense, there is no need to file any reports. These payments do not incur taxes and should not be recorded on Form 1099-K.

Though it may seem odd, many individuals who make casual sales of goods and services – like used clothes, furniture, and other household items – might receive a Form 1099-K in the mail, even if these sales produce no taxable income. In fact, it is not uncommon for those selling such goods to take a loss.

The IRS has determined to push back the date for the reporting requirements and set a threshold of $5,000 for 2024 in light of the difficulty in identifying these transactions. They are asking for input on the dollar amount as well as any other aspects on how to focus on taxable trades. In particular, they seek feedback concerning the chosen threshold of $5,000 for the 2024 tax year.

PriorTax understands the importance of properly managing the expansion of information reporting that is to take place due to the new thresholds set for Form 1099-K. In addition, it is vital that both taxpayers and our tax professionals have all the necessary resources to help them understand and comply with these changes. This increased reporting leads to a higher rate of tax compliance.

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Category: Tax and Life Changes, Tax for Business, Tax News, Tax Tips and Tricks, Tax Year 2023
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2024 New Tax Brackets

Posted by admin on November 16, 2023
Last modified: December 21, 2023

Significant Changes for 2024 New Tax Brackets.

The Internal Revenue Service has taken steps to ensure that the new 2024 tax brackets reflect the current consumer price index. This 5.4% upward adjustment is especially notable compared to the 7% increase from last year, one of the most considerable adjustments the IRS has made in recent years. The new limits for 2024 will be set according to this formula and should accurately account for inflation developments in our current economy.

In anticipation of 2024, taxpayers should be aware of new income limits for IRS tax brackets. To account for inflation, these thresholds have been adjusted from previous years, which may provide a much-needed financial break to those filing taxes in 2024. Here’s how to keep up with your bracket.

Year after year, taxpayers are affected by changes to tax brackets and other areas, such as retirement fund contribution limits due to inflation. This variation helps prevent so-called “bracket creep,” which is when a person’s earnings puts them in a higher income tax bracket while their basic standard of living remains unchanged. To combat this situation, annual adjustments are made by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Taxpayers may benefit from the higher thresholds, as more of their taxable income will likely fall into a lower tax bracket. Therefore, these earners can get some respite from taxes when filing their 2024 taxes in early 2025.

New Tax brackets for the 2023 tax year, taxes which are due in 2024

2024 tax filing

The New 2024 Tax Brackets

For tax year 2024, U.S. taxpayers can expect an uptick in their federal income taxes. With seven rates set by the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, people filing either individually or as married couples will see a 5.4% increase in their brackets across each of these bands: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%.

The New 2024 Tax Brackets for married couples filing jointly

Filing jointly as a married couple in the United States has distinct tax consequences; depending on one’s taxable income, various rates apply. For instance, any income up to $23,200 would be taxed at 10%, while any above $731,200 would see the highest rate of 37%.

When it comes to taxes in the United States, there often needs to be more understanding about how they are calculated. Contrary to popular belief, the highest tax rate an individual may be subject to isn’t applied to every dollar of their income. Instead, progressive tax rates are used, which means that each tax bracket a person falls under will have its applicable rate.

For the 2024 new tax bracket, the federal government has shifted some of taxpayers’ income into lower tax brackets. For instance, single filers with taxable income up to $11,600 will pay 10% in taxes that year – a full $600 more than they would have paid in 2023 when the same bracket was limited to the first $11,000.

2024 New Tax Brackets for Single Filers

In order to keep up with inflation, U.S. tax law dictates that income limits for each bracket must increase annually. As of this year, those limits have gone up by 5.4%.

The marginal rate is the maximum taxation that you are liable for. However what counts is the effective tax rate, which encompasses all of the taxes imposed on different parts of one’s income. Essentially, this amount reflects a person’s actual rate of taxation.

The new 2024 tax brackets for head-of-household filers

For head-of-household filers, their 2024 tax brackets have been established. Individuals filing taxes as a head of household will face a 10% rate on their first $16,550 taxable income. Any income above that threshold will be taxed at 37%, beginning at $609,350.

2024 New Tax Standard Deduction

As of 2024, taxpayers will see an increase in their standard deduction, according to a report from IRS. Specifically, married couples filing jointly will see an extra $1,500 – bringing their total up to $29,200. This is a boost of 5.4%.

For the upcoming tax season, taxpayers who are unmarried and filing separately will receive a standard deduction of $14,600 – an improvement of $750 from last year. Meanwhile, heads of households can count on a boost in their standard deduction to $21,900 – up by $1,100 compared to 2019 taxes.

How to Determine Your New 2024 Tax Bracket

When it comes to taxation, understanding your marginal tax bracket is crucial. You’ll need to calculate your highest taxable income as accurately as possible to do this.

Consider a married couple bringing in an annual gross income of $150,000. After subtracting the 2024 standard deduction, they are left with taxable income worth $120,800. Therefore, the marginal tax rate applicable to them would be 22%.

However, their effective tax rate is much lower:

When it comes to taxes, individuals get a break when it pertains to their first $23,200 of income. While their effective tax rate is significantly lower than average, people who make between $23,200 and $94,300 will still be expected to pay 12%, amassing a total of $8,532 in taxes. Those with incomes ranging from $94,300 to $120,800 would be lucky enough to enjoy a much lower effective tax rate. For this bracket, taxes amount to 22%, which adds up to $5,830. Together, their federal income taxes would come to $16,682 – an effective rate of 14%.

Higher FSA, HSA Limits in 2024

In an effort to help taxpayers cover medical expenses, new regulations have been issued by the IRS, increasing limits for tax-advantaged accounts. Such accounts provide people with financial assistance when paying for related costs.

The Internal Revenue Service announced that in 2024, the limit for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) will be increased to $3,200 from the current level of $3,050. These accounts allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars, which can then be used to pay for short-term health care expenses.

IRS recently announced modified limits for contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for those with a high-deductible health care plan. Single taxpayers will be able to contribute up to $4,150 in 2024 – an increase of 7.8% from present limits. Similarly, families now have a contribution limit of $8,300 – a rise of 7.1%.

Individuals aged 55 and over can add an extra $1,000 to their health savings accounts (HSAs), a figure that remains unchanged from the previous year.

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Category: Tax and Life Changes, Tax Deadlines, Tax Deductions and Credits, Tax for Business, Tax Tips and Tricks, Tax Year 2023
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