As we approach tax season, it’s worth taking some time to plan ahead for your marginal tax rates. Marginal tax rates are the amount of tax paid on each additional dollar of income. This means that as your income increases, so does the amount of tax you pay. Here are some strategies to help you save money on taxes this year and in the future.
1. Utilize tax-deferred accounts
One of the easiest ways to reduce your marginal tax rate is to contribute to tax-deferred accounts. This includes employer-sponsored retirement plans like 401(k) plans, traditional IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Contributions to these accounts are made pre-tax, meaning that the amount contributed is not taxed in the current year. This reduces your taxable income and lowers your marginal tax rate. Additionally, any investment gains are not taxed until you withdraw the money from the account in retirement, when you may be in a lower tax bracket.
2. Take advantage of tax credits
Tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of taxes owed. They can significantly reduce your marginal tax rate and save you money. Some common tax credits include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). To qualify for these credits, you may need to meet certain income requirements or have specific expenses.
3. Consider tax-loss harvesting
Tax-loss harvesting is the process of selling investments that have lost value in order to offset gains from other investments. When you sell an investment that has lost value, the loss can be used to reduce your taxable income for the year. This can help lower your marginal tax rate and save you money. It’s important to note that tax-loss harvesting should be done carefully and with the help of a financial advisor to avoid potential pitfalls.
4. Plan charitable giving strategically
Donating to charity can be a great way to reduce your taxable income and lower your marginal tax rate. However, it’s important to plan your charitable giving strategically to maximize the tax benefits. For example, you can donate appreciated assets such as stocks, which can provide a tax deduction for the full value of the asset and avoid paying capital gains tax. Additionally, bundling your charitable donations into one year can help you exceed the standard deduction and itemize your deductions, providing a larger tax benefit.
Planning ahead for your marginal tax rates can help you save money and keep more of your hard-earned income. By utilizing tax-deferred accounts, tax credits, tax-loss harvesting, and strategic charitable giving, you can lower your marginal tax rate and reduce your tax liability. Consult with a tax professional or financial planner to ensure that you’re making the most of all available tax-saving strategies.
