Tax Planning in Bakersfield, CA

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Tax PlanningReduce Your Tax Liability With Correct Capital's Financial Advisors in St. Louis

Tax Planning in Bakersfield, CA. Tax liability refers to the amount you owe in taxes to local, state, and federal authorities. While it’s inevitable that a part of your earnings or profits goes to taxes, there are numerous legal strategies to lessen your tax burden. Tax planning is also essential for successful retirement planning. At Correct Capital, we don’t offer tax advice, but we partner with local Bakersfield, CA residents, families, and business owners to explore effective and tried-and-true ways to decrease their tax obligations. One approach we may recommend is maximizing deductible employee or employer retirement contributions to reduce tax expenses. Reach out to Correct Capital's tax planners and fiduciary advisors today at 877-930-4015, connect with us online, or keep reading to learn how proactive tax planning can benefit you.



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Tax Planning for Bakersfield, CA Individuals and Families

Smart tax planning can help individuals and families grow their retirement savings and provide them with more money for both the present and the future. Here are some key points when tax planning in Bakersfield, CA:

  • Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing —

    The standard deduction is a fixed amount that allows a straightforward deduction from your taxable income. In 2024, the standard deductions are:

    • $14,600 for single filers
    • $29,200 for married, filing jointly
    • $14,660 for married, filing separately
    • $21,900 for head of household

    If your deductible expenses exceed these amounts, you may benefit from itemizing your deductions, where you list each eligible deduction separately. The trade-off is that itemizing takes more time, as you need to provide evidence for each deduction. A financial planner in Bakersfield, CA can work with you to decide whether using the standard deduction or itemizing is more beneficial.

  • Review Your Retirement Accounts —

    Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs both present unique tax benefits. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be fully or partially deductible, and taxes are only applied upon withdrawal. Roth IRA contributions, in contrast, are not deductible but allow for tax-free growth on your investments. The ideal choice depends on your personal financial and tax situation. For example, if you anticipate higher taxes in the future, you might consider transferring money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA—a process known as a Roth conversion—paying taxes now but securing future tax-free growth.

    If you have a 401(k) plan with your employer, you can set aside income from your paycheck, placing it straight into your 401(k). For 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000 to a 401(k), plus an extra $7,500 if you are over age 50.

    For self-employed individuals or those with freelance income, individual retirement plans are also available. Options include a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) IRA or a One-Participant 401(k) Plan, enabling you to deduct your contributions.

  • Tax-Loss Harvesting

    By selling securities at a loss, you can offset capital gains taxes owed on gains from other investments. This approach is particularly beneficial for short-term capital gains, which are often taxed at higher rates than long-term gains. You can deduct up to $3,000 in capital losses each year, with any remaining losses rolled over into future tax years.

  • Consider Paying Next Year's Bills Now —

    If you have unreimbursed medical expenses, you may be able to deduct amounts exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Other potential deductions include prepaying property taxes if permitted, covering future tuition costs, or investing in career-advancing courses to qualify for a Lifetime Learning Credit.

  • If Married, Filing Jointly or Separately —

    Around 95% of married couples file taxes jointly, a method that enables eligibility for specific tax credits and reductions. In cases where one spouse earns more, filing separately could result in a lower tax bracket for the higher earner. Separate filing may also make sense if one partner has considerable medical costs, making it easier to meet the 7.5% medical deduction limit.

  • Make Charitable Donations —

    By donating to qualifying organizations, you may deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income. Under IRS guidelines, the following types of organizations may qualify:

    • Non-profits that are religious, scientific, educational, or focused on preventing cruelty to animals or children
    • Organizations dedicated to veterans
    • Fraternal organizations under a "lodge system" provided funds are used for charity
    • Cemetery companies or organizations
    • Government agencies at any level within the U.S. when funds are for public benefit
    • In some cases, Canadian, Mexican, or Israeli organizations if they qualify as U.S.-equivalent charities

    *According to IRS Publication 526 (2023), Charitable Contributions

    By opening a Donor-Advised Fund, you can make a large contribution now for an immediate tax deduction and recommend how the funds are allocated in the future.

    If you are over 70½, you can make a qualified charitable distribution by transferring as much as $105,000 a year from a traditional IRA directly to a charity, tax-free. Once you’re 73 or above, the donation can also be applied as your required minimum distribution, potentially lowering both future distribution requirements and tax obligations.

Using a skilled financial adviser for tax planning in Bakersfield, CA not only helps lower your tax bill this year but also lays out a strategy for retirement taxes. At Correct Capital, we aim to put more money in your pocket now while preparing you for a secure financial future.

Common Tax Planning Mistakes for Bakersfield, CA Individuals and Families

Effective tax planning is crucial for your family’s financial health. Unfortunately, errors in tax planning often cause people to owe more or miss savings opportunities. Here are a few frequent tax planning mistakes and ways Correct Capital can assist in preventing them:

  • Not Maximizing Retirement Contributions —

    Failing to contribute the maximum allowable amounts to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, such as Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, or 401(k) plans, can lead to missed tax deductions and reduced growth potential over time.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We review your financial situation to help you make the most of allowable contributions, lowering your taxes while securing a robust retirement future.

  • Overlooking Available Tax Credits and Deductions —

    Many miss out on significant credits and deductions, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or deductions for healthcare and education expenses.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team checks your tax return for any missed credits and deductions, with the goal of increasing your refund or decreasing your tax bill.

  • Poor Record-Keeping —

    Disorganized financial records can lead to missed deductions and complications when filing taxes. Without accurate documentation, you might struggle to substantiate claims if audited.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team helps you establish organized record-keeping systems and locate required documents, making sure everything is available for tax filing or in case of an audit.

  • Ignoring Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies —

    Neglecting tax-efficient investment strategies, such as asset location or tax-loss harvesting, can erode overall returns.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We help you implement tax-efficient investment strategies, including selecting the best vehicles and methods to lower taxes on dividends, interest, and gains.

  • Failing to Plan for Life Changes —

    Major life events like marriage, divorce, having a child, or buying a home can have a substantial impact on your tax situation. Neglecting to adjust for these changes can lead to unexpected tax liabilities.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team works with you to adapt your tax planning to significant life events, so you maximize applicable credits and deductions and meet tax requirements.

  • Underestimating Estimated Tax Payments —

    Income that doesn’t undergo withholding, such as freelance or investment income, often requires estimated tax payments. Failure to do so can lead to penalties and interest.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We help you prepare your cash flow to cover estimated tax payments, avoiding fines and added interest.

  • Not Utilizing Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

    HSAs and FSAs provide tax advantages for covering medical costs, but many eligible individuals miss out by not contributing.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our advisors explain the advantages of HSAs and FSAs and determine if they’re right for you, helping you set aside pre-tax funds for medical costs to reduce taxes.

  • Overlooking Education Savings Plans —

    Ignoring options like 529 college savings plans can lead to missed tax benefits when saving for a child’s education.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team assists you in establishing education savings plans that feature tax-deferred growth and potential state tax deductions.

  • Not Reviewing Withholding Allowances

    Incorrect tax withholding—either too much or too little—may result in a big refund or an unexpected tax bill.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We work with you to adjust your withholding allowances for improved cash flow and reduced surprises during tax season.

  • Missing Opportunities for Charitable Contributions —

    If you don’t track or plan your charitable contributions, you could lose valuable deduction opportunities.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We assist with planning your charitable giving to maximize tax benefits, including helping with Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) if you qualify.

Tax Planning for Bakersfield, CA Business Owners

Business owners in Bakersfield, CA can benefit from effective tax planning to retain more money within their business. Keep the following in mind for effective tax planning for your Bakersfield, CA business:

  • Review the Structure of Your Business —

    Your business structure plays a significant role in tax planning and should be carefully evaluated. Whether you choose an LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or S or C corporation, your tax obligations for both the business and yourself will be impacted.

  • Review the Retirement Plans You Offer Employees —

    Providing retirement plans such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or other defined contribution plans is an effective way to reduce tax liability. With changes under the "SECURE" Act of 2019, speaking to a financial advisor in Bakersfield, CA about retirement plan tax benefits is recommended.

    For business owners and employees with higher incomes, a Cash Balance Pension Plan can offer significant tax savings, even if it requires a sizable investment.

  • Have Your Family Work For The Business —

    Employing family members can yield tax advantages. Children can earn up to $14,600 without paying taxes and could start saving in a ROTH IRA. If your spouse works in the business, you may also double your retirement contributions.

  • Use a Company Vehicle —

    Based on your Bakersfield, CA business type, you and your employees may qualify to use a company vehicle with deductible transportation costs. You can take this deduction using one of two methods:

    • Take the standard mileage deduction of 67 cents per mile for gas and electric vehicles; or
    • Maintain records of actual costs like maintenance, registration, and fuel to calculate whether this deduction is greater than the standard mileage rate.
  • Consider Fringe Benefits For Your Employees —

    Raising employee salaries may lead to increased employment tax costs. Consider whether employees would prefer fringe benefits instead of direct wage increases. Some options that may help lower your tax costs include health insurance, group life insurance, childcare assistance, travel reimbursements, meal programs, paid family leave, and education reimbursements.

    Accountable plans allow for reimbursing employees for specific expenses, like travel, meals, or entertainment, without these amounts counting as income.

  • Look into Carryover Deductions —

    If certain deductions aren’t usable this year, you may be able to apply them in a different tax year. Examples of carryover deductions include home office expenses, net operating losses, business credits, and capital losses.

Tax laws for businesses are constantly evolving. Partnering with a professional tax planner in Bakersfield, CA means they work with you and your tax expert to identify strategies for enhancing long-term financial outcomes.

Common Tax Planning Mistakes for Bakersfield, CA Businesses

Effective tax planning allows businesses of all sizes to reduce tax liabilities and increase profitability. Unfortunately, common tax mistakes can cause businesses to pay more, miss deductions, and risk penalties. Below are some of the most common tax planning errors businesses make and how Correct Capital can help you avoid them.

  • Not Paying Estimated Quarterly Taxes —

    Some businesses miss or underpay estimated quarterly taxes, which often leads to IRS penalties and added interest. Small businesses, freelancers, and companies with fluctuating income are particularly susceptible to this.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We help businesses accurately calculate and schedule estimated tax payments, ensuring compliance with IRS deadlines and preventing unnecessary penalties.

  • Neglecting Retirement Plan Contributions for Owners and Employees —

    Many companies miss the opportunity to use retirement contributions to lower their taxable income. Options such as 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s deliver notable tax benefits for both owners and staff.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team helps set up and optimize retirement plans that lower taxes and serve as a tool for recruiting and retaining employees.

  • Not Planning for Profitability and Cash Flow —

    Focusing solely on cutting current taxes often leads businesses to miss out on planning for sustained growth and profitability. This approach can prevent businesses from taking advantage of strategic investment or growth opportunities.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We offer comprehensive tax planning that extends beyond immediate deductions, helping businesses plan for growth, reinvest profits, and manage cash flow effectively.

  • Neglecting Exit and Estate Planning —

    Business owners often fail to create a succession plan to address the financial aspects of selling their business. While they may focus heavily on operations, they might miss planning for how to manage and allocate the sale proceeds in a tax-efficient way. Lacking estate planning, business owners risk missing chances to provide for beneficiaries and loved ones.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team supports business owners in exit planning, helping them decide how to manage the proceeds from a sale. Our approach involves identifying the purpose of the funds and applying estate planning strategies, which consider beneficiaries and minimize taxes.

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Tax Planning in Bakersfield, CA | Correct Capital Wealth Management

At Correct Capital, our Bakersfield, CA financial advisors and tax planners understand how essential the financial health of your family or business is, both now and in the future. That’s why we adhere to the fiduciary standard and our I.O.U. promise: all the advice we offer is independent, objective, and unbiased. As tax regulations evolve, it’s important to work with a team that includes your Bakersfield, CA financial advisor, tax specialist, and attorney. For support with tax planning, retirement planning, or any other financial concerns in Bakersfield, CA, contact Correct Capital at 877-930-4015 or reach out online.


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