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Navigating Proposed Tax Legislation: Strategic Insights for Smart Tax Planning

In recent months, the U.S. House of Representatives has ignited significant conversation with the proposed Make American Families and Workers Thrive Again tax legislation. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the House's tax proposals, as outlined in the "Description of The Budget Reconciliation Legislative Recommendations Related to Tax," among other sources. It underscores the need for prudent tax planning, considering the potential alterations that may arise during the reconciliation with the Senate's version of the bill.

Key Provisions of the House Tax Bill

The House's proposed changes aim to expand and enhance tax benefits originally introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017, set to expire at the end of 2025. Here are some significant provisions:

  1. Permanent Standard Deduction Extension & Tax Rate Revisions: Efforts to make the TCJA's increased standard deductions permanent are included, alongside planned enhancements from 2025 through 2028 with additional increments of $1,000 for individuals, $1,500 for heads of household, and $2,000 for couples. The TCJA's tax bracket reshuffling, such as reducing the top rate from 39.6% to 37%, will see permanency under the 2025 legislation.

  2. Senior Bonus Deduction: Effective from 2025, Social Security benefit taxation for those 65 and older may see reductions via an extra $4,000 standard deduction, lowered if modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 for couples ($75,000 for others). Itemizers can also avail a similar deduction.

  3. Qualified Business Income Deduction Adjustment: The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, or Sec 199A deduction, could increase from 20% to 23%, with a simplified permanent revision of phase-in rules.

  4. Estate and Gift Tax Exemption Expansion: The bill proposes a permanent elevation of the estate and gift tax exemption to an inflation-adjusted $15 million.

  5. Enhancements to Child Tax Credit: Temporary increases in the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,500 per qualifying child are proposed through 2028, reverting in 2029. Adjustments encompass indexing, refundability, and Social Security number reporting requirements.

  6. Saver's Credit Enhancements: The Saver's Credit modifications aim to bolster savings among lower- and middle-income families, including a permanent treatment of contributions to ABLE accounts akin to traditional retirement funds.

  7. 'No' Tax on Overtime: A new deduction for overtime premium pay is proposed for non-highly compensated employees under the Fair Labor Standards Act for 2025 through 2028.

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  8. 'No' Tax on Tips: An above-the-line deduction for tips in customary tipping occupations, excluding highly compensated individuals, is included in the proposal.

  9. Bonus Depreciation Reinstatement: Full reinstatement of the 100% first-year depreciation for business properties from 2025-2030 promises advantages to businesses.

  10. Increased SALT Deduction Cap: The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction limit could rise from $10,000 to $40,000, aiding taxpayers under the $500,000 income threshold and potentially benefiting many limited under TCJA's cap.

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  11. End to Certain Deductions: The proposal continues to remove personal exemptions deductions and places ongoing limits on miscellaneous itemized deductions.

Strategic Tax Planning: Proceed with Caution

Despite the appeal of these proposed changes, taxpayers are advised against impulsive tax strategies based solely on the House's bill. Consider these reasons:

  1. Legislative Fluidity: The tax bill remains a work in progress, with notable discrepancies between House and Senate versions. Until reconciliation and finalization, accurate forecasting remains challenging.

  2. Political Discrepancies: Disagreements both within and between political parties regarding tax relief scope and permanence suggest potential for significant amendments.

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  3. Potential Negotiation Shifts: Evolving negotiations could result in exclusions or inclusion of new provisions, modifying the legislation's practical impact.

  4. Risks in Long-term Financial Planning: Relying on unfinalized legislation for tax strategies could subject participants to unforeseen liabilities when the law solidifies.

  5. Diversified Taxpayer Needs: Individual taxpayer circumstances necessitate tailored analysis, particularly regarding income brackets and estate planning considerations.

Conclusion

While the proposed House tax reforms aim to stimulate economic growth and provide tax relief, it's imperative for taxpayers, especially those served by us at Physicians Financial Advisory, to exercise caution. With the Senate's evaluation pending and negotiations underway, it is prudent to await a harmonized final bill before committing to significant tax decisions. Stay informed and consider scheduling a 15-minute discovery call to explore how these changes might impact you personally and professionally.

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