Act fast if you want to cut your 2010 taxes

1. Tax rates are likely to go higher in 2011, so you might benefit from shifting income into 2010 and delaying deductions until 2011. It’s always a matter of personal circumstances, so analyze the two-year results of shifting income and deductions before you do anything.

2. Remember that required minimum distributions from retirement plans are back this year. If you’re over 70½, your 2010 distribution must be taken by December 31 or a 50% penalty may apply. If you turn 70½ this year, you could wait until April 1, 2011, to take your first distribution. In deciding, consider the likelihood of higher tax rates next year and the fact that a delay means you'll have two taxable distributions for 2011.

3. With the $100,000 income limit dropped for converting a traditional IRA to a Roth, consider doing a conversion before year-end. You can elect to pay the tax over two years’ tax returns, 2011 and 2012, or pay in full on your 2010 return.

4. Consider buying needed equipment for your business to benefit from the first-year $500,000 expensing option and 50% bonus depreciation.

5. If you’re planning to add employees soon, do so before January 1, 2011. If you hire someone who has been unemployed for a while, you might qualify for an exemption from social security payroll taxes on the new hire’s wages. Keep the new worker for at least a year and you could also qualify for a tax credit of up to $1,000.

6. Start a pension plan for your small business. You may be entitled to a credit of up to $500 in each of the plan’s first three years.

7. Review your portfolio and start thinking about offsetting gains and losses for the year. You can deduct $3,000 of losses against ordinary income.

The Coming Sunset Affects More Than Tax Rates

"The Coming Sunset Affects More Than Tax Rates"

Unless Congress acts soon, the "2001 Tax Act" will expire at the end of this year, bringing back pre-2001 tax rates and rules. While the current discussions focus on the income tax rates that will rise if the law is allowed to expire, there are dozens of other major changes that will sunset too.

Here's a quick overview of what 2011 will bring unless Congress intervenes.

* The limitation on itemized deductions based on income will be reinstated in full.

* The phase-out of the deduction for personal exemptions for higher-income taxpayers will be reinstated in full.

* Married couples filing a joint return will not be entitled to twice the standard deduction amount allowed for single taxpayers. Nor will couples get the 15% tax rate on twice the amount of income as single taxpayers get. The marriage penalty, in other words, is back to pre-2001 levels.
* The child tax credit and the dependent care credit will revert to pre-2001 levels.

* The maximum rate for capital gains will revert to 20%, and dividends will be taxed at ordinary income rates as high as 39.6%.

* Among the changes to education tax breaks, the annual contribution to Coverdell education savings accounts will revert to $500.

* The estate tax will return with a maximum rate of 55% and an exclusion amount of $1 million.

Your tax planning, as challenging as it already is, should take these potential changes into account. For guidance in your year-end planning, give us a call.

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About Jose F. Padro, P.A.

Padro and Company, P.A. CPA Doral, Miami Florida – Tax Services, Business Planning & Taxes, Bookkeeping and Accounting, IRS Audit and Dispute Representation, Personal & Business Taxes.
José F. Padró has over 25 years of public accounting experience having practiced is small, mid-size and large accounting firm environments. José has a broad range of experience in taxation, financial reporting and management consulting.

Trust the Professionals at PADRÓ & Company, P.A. Our professional staff is trained to understand the intricacies of business accounting and tax laws - and how to use them to benefit your bottom line.

Padro and Company, P.A. CPA Doral, Miami, Florida
2520 N.W. 97 Ave, Suite 120, Doral, FL 33172 –
(305) 500-9361 - Fax (305) 500-9492