Recent News & Blog / Individual Tax
Beware of a stealth tax on Social Security benefits
Some people mistakenly think that Social Security benefits are free from federal income tax. Unfortunately, that’s often not the case. Depending on how much “provisional income” you have, some benefits could be hit with federal tax. The CPAs and tax advisors at SEK can calculate any tax on your benefits. Give us a call to answer your tax questions.
A job loss is bad but the tax implications could make it worse
Unemployment is currently low, but some people are still losing their jobs. If you’re one of them, taxes probably aren’t on your mind. However, there may be tax implications. The CPAs and tax advisors at SEK can help you make the best decisions.
New option for unused funds in a 529 college savings plan
Many parents begin saving with 529 college savings plans when their children are young. Contributions aren’t tax deductible, but they grow tax deferred. Earnings used to pay qualified education expenses can be withdrawn tax-free. Earnings used for other purposes may be subject to income tax plus a 10% penalty. What if you have a large 529 plan balance but your child doesn’t need all the money for college? There’s a new 529-to-Roth IRA transfer. Contact the CPA's and business advisors at SEK for more information and tax tips.
If you didn’t contribute to an IRA last year, there’s still time
If you’re gathering documents to file your 2023 tax return and you’re concerned that your tax bill may be higher than you’d like, there might still be an opportunity to lower it. If you qualify, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA right up to the April 15, 2024, filing date and benefit from the tax savings on your 2023 return. Contact the CPAs and business tax advisors at SEK to get the most out of your tax return and for more tax tips.
Get ready for the 2023 gift tax return deadline
Did you make large gifts to children, grandchildren or others last year? If so, it’s important to determine if you’re required to file a 2023 gift tax return. The deadline for filing is April 15 (Oct. 15 if you file for an extension). The annual gift tax exclusion has increased in 2024 to $18,000 but was $17,000 for 2023. If you’re not sure whether you must (or should) file a gift tax return, contact the CPAs and business tax advisors at SEK.
Filing jointly or separately as a married couple: What’s the difference?
When filing your tax return, a filing status must be chosen. This is used to determine your standard deduction, rates and eligibility for certain tax breaks. If you’re married, should you file jointly or separately? It depends on your situation. In most cases, joint filing saves more tax, but some people save by filing separately. The CPA's and business tax advisors at SEK can weigh your options when preparing your return.
If you gave to charity in 2023, check to see that you have substantiation
Did you give to charity last year? If you made a donation in 2023 but don’t have a letter from the charity yet, request it from the organization and wait to file your 2023 return until you receive it. Additional rules apply to certain types of donations, such as noncash contributions. Contact the CPA's and business tax advisors at SEK if you have questions about donations you hope to deduct on your 2023 tax return.
IRAs: Build a tax-favored retirement nest egg
Traditional and Roth IRAs can help you save for retirement on a tax-favored basis. Contributions to a traditional IRA reduce your current tax bill if you’re eligible, and earnings are tax deferred. However, withdrawals are taxed in full (plus a 10% penalty if taken before age 59½, unless an exception applies). Roth IRA contributions aren’t deductible. But earnings are tax deferred and withdrawals are tax-free if certain conditions are met. Contact the CPA's and business tax advisors at SEK for your tax questions and for more tax tips.
The kiddie tax could affect your children until they’re young adults
The “kiddie tax” can cause some of a child’s unearned income to be taxed at the parent’s higher marginal federal income tax rates instead of at the usually much lower rates that a child would otherwise pay. For purposes of this federal income tax provision, a “child” can be up to 23 years old. The kiddie tax is only assessed on a child’s or young adult’s unearned income. Earned income from a job or self-employment is never subject to the kiddie tax. Other rules apply. Contact the CPA's and business tax advisors if you want more information or for more tax tips.
It’s possible (but not easy) to claim a medical expense tax deduction
Can you deduct your out-of-pocket medical costs on your tax return? It depends. Medical expenses can be deducted only to the extent unreimbursed costs exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Plus, medical costs are deductible only if you itemize, which means that your itemized deductions must exceed your standard deduction. Eligible costs include: hospital bills, health insurance premiums, eyeglasses, hearing aids, most dental work, prescriptions, smoking-cessation programs and some costs of transportation to get to and from medical appointments. Contact the CPA's and business tax advisors at SEK to asses if you can claim a deduction, for more tax tips or to answer any of your tax questions.