Things you can do for your future as the year unfolds.
What financial, business, or life priorities do you need to address for the coming year? Now is an excellent time to think about the investing, saving, or budgeting methods you could employ toward specific objectives, from building your retirement fund to managing your taxes. You have plenty of choices. Here are a few ideas to consider:
Can you contribute more to your retirement plans this year?
In 2022, the contribution limit for a Roth or traditional individual retirement account (IRA) is expected to remain at $6,000 ($7,000 for those making “catch-up” contributions). Your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) may affect how much you can put into a Roth IRA. With a traditional IRA, you can contribute if you (or your spouse if filing jointly) have taxable compensation, but income limits are one factor in determining whether the contribution is tax-deductible.1
Once you reach age 72, you must begin taking required minimum distributions
from a traditional Individual Retirement Account in most circumstances. Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty.
To qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, Roth 401(k) distributions must meet a five-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal can also be taken under certain other circumstances, such as the owner's death. Employer match is pretax and not distributed tax-free during retirement.
Make a charitable gift
You can claim the deduction on your tax return, provided you follow the Internal Review Service guidelines and itemize your deductions with Schedule A. The paper trail can be important here. If you give cash, you should consider documenting it. Some contributions can be demonstrated by a bank record, payroll deduction record, credit card statement, or written communication from the charity with the date and amount. Incidentally, the IRS does not equate a pledge with a donation. If you pledge $2,000 to a charity this year but only end up gifting $500, you can only deduct $500.2
Make certain to consult your tax, legal, or accounting professional before modifying your record-keeping approach or your strategy for making charitable gifts.
See if you can take a home office deduction for your small business
If you are a small-business owner, you may want to investigate this. You may be able to write off expenses linked to the portion of your home used to conduct your business. Using your home office as a business expense involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the tax rules as they relate to home-based businesses.3
Pay attention to asset location
Tax-efficient asset location is one factor that can be considered when creating an investment strategy.
Review your withholding status
Should it be adjusted due to any of the following factors?
You tend to pay the federal or state government at the end of each year.
You tend to get a federal tax refund each year.
You recently married or divorced.
You have a new job, and your earnings have been adjusted.
Consider consulting your tax, human resources, or accounting professional before modifying your withholding status.
Did you get married in 2021?
If so, it may be an excellent time to review the beneficiaries of your retirement accounts and other assets. The same goes for your insurance coverage. If you are preparing to have a new last name in 2022, you may want to get a new Social Security card. Additionally, retirement accounts may need to be revised or adjusted?
Are you coming home from active duty?
If so, go ahead and check on the status of your credit and any tax and legal proceedings that might have been preempted by your orders.
Consider the tax impact of any upcoming transactions
Are you preparing to sell any real estate this year? Are you starting a business? Might any commissions or bonuses come your way in 2022? Do you anticipate selling an investment that is held outside of a tax-deferred account?
If you are retired and in your seventies, remember your RMDs
In other words, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts. In most circumstances, once you reach age 72, you must begin taking RMDs from most types of these accounts.5
Vow to focus on your overall health and practice sound financial habits in 2022. And don’t be afraid to ask for help from professionals who understand your individual situation.
Having your plan in order can bring you peace of mind. It’s fulfilling to know that you’ve done everything you can for your heirs. Click or call 440-871-3067 to speak with Michael Romanello about your estate plan and how a trust might be important.
Michael G. Romanello is a registered representative of and offers Securities through Independence Capital Company , Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. 5579 Pearl Road, Suite 100 Cleveland, OH 44129 Investment Advisory Services offered through Independence Capital Company, Inc. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Citations
1. thefinancebuff.com, August 11, 2021
2. irs.gov, January 22, 2021
3. nerdwallet.com, July 31, 2020
4. irs.gov, September 8, 2021
5. irs.gov, May 3, 2021
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