Avail Yourself of Your Employer's Tax-Advantaged Benefits

Article Highlights Employer dependent care benefits allow you to exclude up to $5,000 in childcare expenses from your wages. Employer health care plans allow you to exclude the cost of insurance for you and your family from your wages. Employer 401(k) plans allow you to set aside $17,500 ($23,000 if you are 50 years or over) per year, tax deferred for your retirement. Employer flexible spending arrangements...

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Make the Most of Your Deductions

Article Highlights Bunching allows you to maximize your itemized deductions in one year and take the standard deduction in the next. The medical expense threshold for deductibility has been increased to 10% of AGI for individuals under the age 65. You have the option of deducting the larger of: (1) State and local income tax paid, or (2) state and local sales tax paid during the year. Charitable contributions generally require...

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Understanding Tax Terminology

Article Highlights Filing status can be single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or surviving spouse with dependent child. Adjusted gross income (AGI) is the sum of a taxpayer’s income minus specific subtractions called adjustments. Modified AGI is the regular AGI with certain adjustments and exclusions added back. Taxable income is AGI less deductions and exemption. Marginal tax rate...

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