Getty Images
Although you're probably focused on filing your 2019 tax return right now, it's never too early to start thinking about next year's return. Proper tax planning requires an awareness of what's new and changed from last year--and there are plenty of tax law changes and updates taking effect in 2020 that you need to know about.
The government funding bills signed by President Trump in December 2019 included a lot of tax provisions. Other 2020 tweaks are the result of new rules or annual inflation adjustments. However, no matter how, when or why the changes were made, they can hurt or help your bottom line--so you need to be ready for them. To help you out, we pulled together a list of the most important tax law changes and adjustments for 2020 (some related items are grouped together). Use this information now to start your tax planning this year so you can save money next April when you file your 2020 return.
SEE ALSO: 20 Most-Overlooked Tax Breaks and Deductions
Retirement Plans
Getty Images
There are a lot of changes in 2020 for retirement plans, thanks to the SECURE Act, which was signed into law late in 2019. For example, the beginning age for taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) rises from 70½ to 72. (This change only applies to account owners who turn 70½ after 2019, so you still must take your first RMD by April 1, 2020, if you turned 70½ in 2019.)
The SECURE Act also allows owners of traditional IRAs to make contributions past the age of 70½ starting in 2020. In addition, folks having a baby or adopting a child can now take payouts from IRAs and 401(k)s of up to $5,000 without having to pay the 10% fine for pre-age-59½ withdrawals. Beginning in 2020, fellowships, stipends or similar payments to graduate or post-doctoral students are treated as compensation for purposes of making IRA contributions, too. This will help qualifying students begin saving for retirement sooner, since contributions to a retirement account generally can't exceed the amount of your compensation.
The rules for withdrawing money from inherited IRAs and workplace retirement accounts are also tightened by the SECURE Act--many accounts now need to be cleaned out within 10 years of the death of the IRA owner or 401(k) participant. Exceptions allow payouts over the beneficiary's life expectancy for surviving spouses, the disabled or chronically ill, minor children until they reach 18 and beneficiaries who are not more than 10 years younger than the account owner. (Inherited accounts of individuals who died before 2020 aren't affected by this change.)
For more on the SECURE Act, see 10 Ways the SECURE Act Will Impact Your Retirement Savings.
Many key dollar limits on retirement plans and IRAs are higher in 2020, too. The maximum 401(k) contribution for 2020 is $19,500, but those born before 1971 can put in $6,500 more (both amounts are $500 higher than in 2019). The caps apply to 403(b) and 457 plans as well. This year's cap on contributions to SIMPLE IRAs is $13,500 ($500 more than last year), plus $3,000 extra for people age 50 and up.
The 2020 contribution limit for traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs stays steady at $6,000, plus $1,000 as an additional catch-up contribution for individuals age 50 and up. However, the income ceilings on Roth IRA contributions went up. Contributions phase out in 2020 at adjusted gross incomes (AGIs) of $196,000 to $206,000 for couples and $124,000 to $139,000 for singles ($193,000 to $203,000 and $122,000 to $137,000, respectively, for 2019).
Deduction phaseouts for traditional IRAs also start at higher levels in 2020, from AGIs of $104,000 to $124,000 for couples and $65,000 to $75,000 for single filers ($103,000 to $123,000 and $64,000 to $74,000 last year). If only one spouse is covered by a plan, the phaseout zone for deducting a contribution for the uncovered spouse starts at $196,000 of AGI and ends at $206,000 ($193,000 and $203,000 for 2019).
SEE ALSO: How 10 Types of Retirement Income Get Taxed
Tax Bracket Ranges
Getty Images
Although the tax rates didn't change, the income tax brackets for 2020 are slightly wider than for last year. The difference is due to inflation during the 12-month period from September 2018 to August 2019, which is used to figure the adjustments.
2020 Tax Brackets for Single/Married Filing Jointly/Head of Household
(Single) Taxable Income
(Married Filing Jointly) Taxable Income
(Head of Household)
| 10% | Up to $9,875 | Up to $19,750 | Up to $14,100 |
| 12% | $9,876 to $40,125 | $19,751 to $80,250 | $14,101 to $53,700 |
| 22% | $40,126 to $85,525 | $80,251 to $171,050 | $53,701 to $85,500 |
| 24% | $85,526 to $163,300 | $171,051 to $326,600 | $85,501 to $163,300 |
| 32% | $163,301 to $207,350 | $326,601 to $414,700 | $163,301 to $207,350 |
| 35% | $207,351 to $518,400 | $414,701 to $622,050 | $207,351 to $518,400 |
| 37% | Over $518,400 | Over $622,050 | Over $518,400 |
SEE ALSO: What Are the Income Tax Brackets for 2020 vs. 2019?
Standard Deductions
Getty Images
Many of the standard deduction amounts were increased for 2020. Married couples get $24,800 ($24,400 for 2019), plus $1,300 for each spouse age 65 or older. Singles can claim a $12,400 standard deduction ($12,200 for 2019)--$14,050 if they're at least 65 ($13,850 for 2019). Head-of-household filers get $18,650 for their standard deduction ($18,350 for 2019), plus an additional $1,650 once they reach age 65. Blind people can tack on an extra $1,300 to their standard deduction ($1,650 if they're unmarried and not a surviving spouse).
SEE ALSO: 2020 Tax Calendar: Important IRS Tax Due Dates and Deadlines
Capital Gain Rates
Getty Images
Tax rates on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends did not change for 2020, but the income thresholds to qualify for the various rates did go up. In 2020, the 0% rate applies for individual taxpayers with taxable income up to $40,000 on single returns ($39,375 for 2019), $53,600 for head-of-household filers ($52,750 for 2019) and $80,000 for joint returns ($78,750 for 2019).
The 20% rate for 2020 starts at $441,451 for singles ($434,550 for 2019), $469,051 for heads of household ($461,700 for 2019) and $496,601 for couples filing jointly ($488,850 for 2019).
The 15% rate is for filers with taxable incomes between the 0% and 20% break points.
The 3.8% surtax on net investment income stays the same for 2020. It kicks in for single people with modified AGI over $200,000 and for joint filers with modified AGI over $250,000.
SEE ALSO: Trapped by Capital Gains? Opportunity Zone Funds Provide a Way Out
Tax "Extenders"
Getty Images
A number of expired or expiring tax breaks were revived late last year--most through 2020. They include deductions for mortgage insurance premiums and college tuition, as well as the $2-million exclusion for forgiven mortgage debt and the credit for certain energy-saving improvements to your home.
These tax breaks apply for 2018 as well. So, if you qualified for any of them in 2018, it might be worth filing an amended 2018 return and claiming a refund.
For more on these tax breaks, see 4 Back-From-the-Dead Tax Breaks for Your 2019 Return.
SEE ALSO: The Best Tax Software Values for 2020
Adoption of a Child
Getty Images
For 2020, the adoption credit can be taken on up to $14,300 of qualified expenses ($14,080 for 2019). The full credit is available for a special-needs adoption, even if it costs less. The credit begins to phase out for filers with modified AGIs over $214,520 and disappears at $254,520 ($211,160 and $251,160, respectively, for 2019).
The exclusion for company-paid adoption aid was also increased from $14,080 to $14,300 for 2020.
SEE ALSO: The 10 Most Tax-Friendly States in the U.S.
Estate Taxes
Getty Images
The lifetime estate and gift tax exemption for 2020 jumps from $11.4 million to $11.58 million--$23.16 million for couples ($22.8 million for 2019) if portability is elected by timely filing Form 706 after the death of the first-to-die spouse. The estate tax rate remains steady at 40%.
SEE ALSO: 18 States With Scary Death Taxes
Kiddie Tax
Getty Images
The 2017 tax reform law's revamp of the "kiddie tax" has been repealed. Prior to 2018, children age 18 or younger (under 24 if a student) were taxed on unearned income in excess of a certain amount at their rate or their parents' rate, whichever was higher. The tax reform law changed the rules to tax unearned income at the ordinary income rates and capital gains rates that apply for trusts. This resulted in higher tax for many filers, including military families with survivor benefits. So Congress repealed the kiddie tax change, and the pre-2018 rules apply again for 2020. (Taxpayers can elect to apply the pre-2018 rules to 2018 and 2019 returns as well.)
SEE ALSO: The 10 Least Tax-Friendly States in the U.S.
Education Tax Breaks
Getty Images
The 2020 lifetime learning credit phases out at higher modified AGI amounts for couples--$118,000 to $138,000 ($116,000 to $136,000 for 2019). The AGI range for singles is $59,000 to $69,000 ($58,000 to $68,000 for 2019).
The income caps are also higher in 2020 for tax-free EE bonds used for education. The exclusion starts phasing out above $123,550 of modified AGI for couples and $82,350 for others ($121,600 and $81,100 for 2019). It ends at modified AGI of $153,550 and $97,350, respectively ($151,600 and $96,100 for 2019). The savings bonds must be redeemed to help pay for tuition and fees for college, graduate school or vocational school for the taxpayer, spouse or dependent.
There are two expansions to 529 college savings plans starting in 2020, too. First, funds can now be used to pay for fees, books, supplies and equipment for certain apprenticeship programs. In addition, up to $10,000 in total (not annually) can be withdrawn to pay off student loans.
SEE ALSO: Tax Credits for College Expenses
Employee Fringe Benefits
Getty Images
U.S. taxpayers working abroad have a larger income exclusion in 2020. It jumped from $105,900 in for 2019 to $107,600 this year. (Taxpayers claim the foreign earned income exclusion on Form 2555.)
The cap on employer-provided tax-free parking goes up from $265 to $270 a month. The 2020 exclusion for mass transit passes and commuter vans is the same amount.
Employees covered by health flexible savings plans can defer up to $2,750 in 2020. That's up from $2,700 in 2019.
SEE ALSO: 20 IRS Audit Red Flags
Energy Credits
Getty Images
The residential solar credit falls to 26% for 2020, which is down from 30% in 2019. It drops again to 22% next year and ends after 2021. Ditto for the tax breaks for geothermal heat pumps, residential wind turbines and fuel cell property.
SEE ALSO: 15 Nice-Try Tax Breaks Rejected by the IRS
Payroll Taxes
Getty Images
The Social Security annual wage base is $137,700 for 2020 (that's a $4,800 hike from last year). The Social Security tax rate on employers and employees stays pat at 6.2%. Both workers and employers continue to pay the 1.45% Medicare tax on all compensation in 2020, with no cap. Workers must also pay the 0.9% Medicare surtax on wages and self-employment income over $200,000 for singles and $250,000 for couples. The surtax doesn't hit employers, though.
The nanny tax threshold goes up to $2,200 in 2020, which is a $100 increase from 2019.
There's also a revamped Form W-4 starting in 2020. Since personal exemptions are zero until 2026, workers no longer claim withholding allowances on the W-4. Instead, the IRS revised the form to focus on items such as filing status, number of dependents, filers with multiple jobs, estimated tax breaks and other income you plan to report on your 1040. The IRS doesn't require all employees to submit a new W-4 form for 2020 to their employer. Instead, only employees hired after 2019 and workers who want to adjust their post-2019 income tax withholding must fill out the new form. However, it's a good idea for all workers to review their tax situations and figure out whether submitting a new W-4 to hike or decrease withholding makes sense for them.
SEE ALSO: 10 Things Every Worker Needs to Know About the New W-4 Form for 2020
Standard Mileage Rates
Getty Images
The 2020 standard mileage rate for business driving falls from 58¢ to 57.5¢ a mile. The mileage allowance for medical travel and military moves also declines from 20¢ to 17¢ a mile in 2020. However, the charitable driving rate stays put at 14¢ a mile--it's fixed by law.
SEE ALSO: 15 Tax Breaks You Won't Believe Are Real
Medical Expenses
Getty Images
The 2020 threshold for deducting medical expenses on Schedule A is 7.5% of AGI. The adjusted-gross-income threshold was slated to jump from 7.5% to 10% after 2018, but the 2019 government funding law revived the 7.5% figure for 2019 and 2020.
The limits on deducting long-term-care premiums are higher in 2020. Taxpayers who are age 71 or older can write off as much as $5,430 per person ($5,270 for 2019). Filers age 61 to 70 can deduct up to $4,350 ($4,220 for 2019). Anyone who is 51 to 60 can deduct up to $1,630 ($1,580 for 2019). For people age 41 to 50, the max is $810 ($790 for 2019). Finally, for whippersnappers age 40 and younger, it's $430 ($420 for 2019). For most, long-term-care premiums are medical expenses deductible only by itemizers on Schedule A. However, self-employed people can deduct them on Schedule 1 of the 1040.
SEE ALSO: 11 Strangest Ways States Tax You (And Don't)
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
Getty Images
The annual cap on deductible contributions to HSAs rises in 2020 from $3,500 to $3,550 for self-only coverage and from $7,000 to $7,100 for family coverage. People born before 1966 can put in $1,000 more (same as last year).
Qualifying insurance policies must limit out-of-pocket costs in 2020 to $13,800 for family health plans ($13,500 in 2019) and $6,900 for people with individual coverage ($6,750 in 2019). Minimum policy deductibles increase this year from $2,700 to $2,800 for families and from $1,350 to $1,400 for individuals.
SEE ALSO: Claim These Tax Deductions Even If You Don't Itemize
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
Getty Images
There's good news for anyone worried about getting hit with the alternative minimum tax: AMT exemptions tick upward for 2020. They increase to from $111,700 to $113,400 for couples and from $71,700 to $72,900 for single filers and heads of household. The phaseout zones for the exemptions start at higher income levels as well--$1,036,800 for couples and $518,400 for singles and household heads ($1,020,600 and $$510,300, respectively, for 2019).
In addition, the 28% AMT tax rate kicks in a bit higher in 2020--above $197,900 of alternative minimum taxable income. The rate applied to AMTI over $194,800 for 2019.
SEE ALSO: Rest In Pieces, AMT
Deduction for Pass-Through Income
Getty Images
A key dollar threshold on the 20% deduction for pass-through income was increased for 2020. Self-employed people and owners of LLCs, S corporations and other pass-through entities can deduct 20% of their qualified business income, subject to limitations for individuals with taxable incomes in excess of $326,600 for joint filers and $163,300 for others ($321,400 and $160,700, respectively, for 2019).
SEE ALSO: New Pass-Through Tax Deduction Could Be a Bust for Business Owners
Penalties
Getty Images
The fine for filing late returns is higher for returns with post-2019 due dates. The minimum penalty for returns filed 60 or more days after the due date is now the lesser of $435 (up from $215) or 100% of the required tax shown on the return.
SEE ALSO: 8 Ways You Might Be Cheating on Your Taxes
EDITOR'S PICKS
- 10 Things Every Worker Needs to Know About the New W-4 Form for 2020
- 15 Things Snowbirds Can Do to Be Taxed as a Florida Resident
- 25 Best Kirkland Products You Should Buy at Costco
Copyright 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors
"Key" - Google News
February 11, 2020 at 10:09PM
https://ift.tt/2SlJixD
Tax Changes and Key Amounts for the 2020 Tax Year - Yahoo Finance
"Key" - Google News
https://ift.tt/2YqNJZt
Shoes Man Tutorial
Pos News Update
Meme Update
Korean Entertainment News
Japan News Update
No comments:
Post a Comment