It’s a tough year for year-end tax planning

With the new year approaching and the likelihood of a new president, advisers have their work cut out for them. Not knowing who will control the senate, leaves helping clients plan difficult. 

If the Democrats control the Senate, it is more likely that tax plans will change dramatically as Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s proposal is very different from what President Donald Trump implemented. Control of the Senate will likely be determined on the Georgia Senate seats. 

Although possible, the odds of the Democrats winning both Georgia Senate seats is only 25%. Thus, it is not very likely. 

Even though Democratic control of the Senate is unlikely, the possibility should be taken into consideration. Under Biden’s proposal, capital gain tax, charitable giving, and estate tax would be affected. 

Biden has proposed raising the capital gain rate form 20% to 39.6% for taxpayers with income over $1 million. So it may be more beneficial for individuals to sell before the end of the year. 

In regard to charitable donations, Biden’s proposal caps itemized deductions at a 28% tax benefit for anyone making more than $400,000, compared to the current rate of 37%. 

In regard to estate tax, the Biden plan would reduce the gift and estate tax exemption from the current $11.58 million to $3.5 million. 

If your clients are making plans and their plans include one of these three categories, it may be safe for them to go ahead and make their moves before 2021. 

See Dave Strausfeld, J.D., It’s a tough year for year-end tax planning, Journal of Accountancy, November 16, 2020. 

Special thanks to Jim Hillhouse (Professional Legal Marketing (PLM, Inc.)) for bringing this article to my attention.