The Rea Report Winter 2015 | Page 3

Year-End Tax Planning ACCELERATE DEDUCTIONS INTO 2014 POSTPONE INCOME TO 2015 Individuals have the ability to control deductions simply by paying them in the current year rather than right after the year-end. If you are in a higher tax bracket or close to it, ask your employer to “push-out” any bonus you might receive until 2015. MAXIMIZE YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN CONTRIBUTIONS Individuals have the ability to control deductions simply by paying them in the current year rather than right after the year-end. CONTRIBUTE TO A HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (HSA) DONATE APPRECIATED STOCK You can make a full year’s worth of deductible HSA contributions in December. “HARVEST” CAPITAL LOSSES RECORD YOUR VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES Keep track of your mileage and other out-of-pocket expenses you spend while volunteering for various non-profit organizations in order to claim a deduction in 2014. When you donate appreciated stock you can deduct the fair market value of the stock (rather than the lesser amount that you paid for it) and you don’t have to report any capital gain from the stock on your tax return. CONSIDER APPLYING A BUNCHING STRATEGY You can deduct up to $3,000 per year of capital losses against ordinary income. Consider selling stock to generate a capital loss that could be used to offset ordinary income. Consider the possibility of “bunching” real estate taxes, medical expenses, miscellaneous itemized deductions and other itemized deductions into specific years. USE THE RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENT PROPERTY CREDIT Consider making energy saving improvements to your residence in order to take advantage of the tax credits that may be available. PREPAY YOUR REAL ESTATE TAXES* Similar to state and local taxes, real estate taxes are deductible in the year paid. * Make sure you understand your current tax situation – if you are subject to alternative minimum tax (AMT), then you might not see any benefit from making these payments in 2014. Source: http://www.reacpa.com/dont-wait-until-its-too-late-year-end-tax-planning-tips 3