Tax Planning in Phoenix, AZ

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

Tax Planning in Phoenix, AZ. 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 work alongside local Phoenix, AZ residents, families, and business owners to find inventive and reliable ways to lower their tax burden. 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, get in touch online, or continue reading to understand the benefits of prudent tax planning.



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Tax Planning for Phoenix, AZ Individuals and Families

Effective tax strategies can help individuals and families build their retirement savings and give them more money for both now and years to come. Consider these elements when tax planning in Phoenix, AZ:

  • Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing —

    The standard deduction is a automatic amount that reduces your taxable income without needing specific proof of deductions. 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

    When your deductible income is more than the standard deduction, itemizing each eligible deduction may be advantageous. The drawback is that itemizing can be time-consuming and requires proof of each deduction. A financial planner in Phoenix, AZ can help determine whether claiming the standard or itemized deduction is more beneficial.

  • Review Your Retirement Accounts —

    Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs both offer tax benefits, but in distinct ways. Contributions to a traditional IRA may be fully or partially deductible, and taxes are only applied upon withdrawal. Unlike traditional IRAs, Roth IRA contributions are non-deductible, but your funds grow without future taxes. The best option depends on your individual financial picture and tax outlook. One potential strategy is a Roth conversion, which moves funds from a traditional to a Roth IRA, letting you pay taxes now and enjoy tax-free growth later.

    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 strategy is commonly used with short-term capital gains, as these are usually taxed more heavily 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 —

    Medical expenses not reimbursed by insurance can be deducted if they exceed 7.5% of your AGI. You can also make early payments for property taxes (if your local rules allow it), a child’s tuition, or professional courses, potentially benefiting from the 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. For high-income spouses, filing separately may reduce their tax bracket, depending on income differences. In situations where one spouse has substantial medical expenses, separate filing can help reach the medical deduction threshold.

  • 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
    • Domestic fraternal organizations operating under a "lodge system" if funds go to charity
    • Cemetery companies or organizations
    • Government agencies at any level within the U.S. when funds are for public benefit
    • Certain Canadian, Mexican, or Israeli organizations that would be considered charitable under U.S. law

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

    Opening a Donor-Advised Fund allows for an upfront tax deduction with the flexibility to recommend how funds are distributed over time.

    Once you reach age 70½, you’re eligible to make a qualified charitable distribution by transferring up to $105,000 annually from your IRA directly to a charity without tax consequences. At age 73 and over, this donation meets the requirements for your required minimum distribution and could lessen both future required distributions and your tax bill.

Using a skilled financial adviser for tax planning in Phoenix, AZ 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 Phoenix, AZ Individuals and Families

Effective tax planning is crucial for your family’s financial health. However, mistakes in tax planning can lead to paying more in taxes than necessary or missing out on potential savings. Here are a few frequent tax planning mistakes and ways Correct Capital can assist in preventing them:

  • Not Maximizing Retirement Contributions —

    When you don’t contribute the maximum allowable to tax-advantaged retirement accounts like Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, or 401(k)s, you may miss out on valuable tax deductions and long-term growth.

    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: We carefully examine your tax return to verify if you’ve taken advantage of all possible credits and deductions, helping to maximize refunds or reduce liabilities.

  • Poor Record-Keeping —

    When financial records are disorganized, it’s easier to overlook deductions and face issues at tax time. Proper documentation is critical for substantiating claims, especially during audits.

    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: Our team provides insight on tax-efficient investment choices, assisting you in minimizing taxes on dividends, interest, and capital gains through strategic asset selection.

  • 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. Ignoring these life events may cause surprise 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 —

    If you earn income not subject to withholding, such as freelance or investment income, estimated tax payments may be necessary. Neglecting estimated tax payments may result in penalties.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We work with you to build cash reserves to cover estimated tax payments, helping you avoid penalties and interest fees.

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

    HSAs and FSAs allow for tax-efficient healthcare spending, but they’re often underutilized by eligible individuals.

    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 —

    By not using options like 529 plans, you could miss out on tax benefits that aid in saving for a child’s education.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We help you open education savings accounts, allowing for tax-deferred growth and possible state tax benefits.

  • 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 assist in adjusting your W-4 form to ensure correct withholding, helping improve cash flow and avoid surprises when filing taxes.

  • 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 Phoenix, AZ Business Owners

Business owners in Phoenix, AZ can use strategic tax planning to keep more revenue within their business. Consider these points when tax planning for your Phoenix, AZ business:

  • Review the Structure of Your Business —

    The structure of your business impacts tax planning and should be carefully considered. Structuring your business as an LLC, sole proprietorship, partnership, or S or C corporation will affect both corporate and individual tax rates.

  • 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. The "SECURE" Act of 2019 changed retirement plan rules for both small and large employers, so it’s wise to consult a financial advisor in Phoenix, AZ about how these changes impact tax planning.

    If you’re a high-earning business owner with high-income employees, a Cash Balance Pension Plan could be advantageous, though it requires large contributions.

  • Have Your Family Work For The Business —

    Bringing family into the business offers tax perks, such as allowing children to work tax-free up to $14,600, and they can even start contributing to a ROTH IRA. Having your spouse on the payroll can let you double the amount you contribute to retirement.

  • Use a Company Vehicle —

    Depending on the nature of your Phoenix, AZ business, you and your employees may be able to use a company vehicle and deduct the 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
    • Keep a record of actual expenses, including maintenance, registration, and gas, to see if this results in a larger deduction than the standard mileage rate.
  • Consider Fringe Benefits For Your Employees —

    Increasing wages for employees can drive up employment tax expenses. See if employees are open to receiving fringe benefits as part of their pay package rather than a higher paycheck. Possible fringe benefits that may reduce tax liabilities are health insurance, group life insurance, childcare assistance, transport reimbursements, meals, family or medical leave, and continuing education reimbursement.

    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. Potential carryover deductions are home office deductions, net operating losses, business credits, and capital losses.

Tax regulations for businesses are always in flux. Working with a Phoenix, AZ tax planner offers the benefit of joint efforts with your tax professional to explore methods for boosting your financial future.

Common Tax Planning Mistakes for Phoenix, AZ Businesses

Effective tax planning allows businesses of all sizes to reduce tax liabilities and increase profitability. However, many businesses fall into common tax mistakes that may lead to higher taxes, missed deductions, or even penalties. Here’s a look at frequent tax pitfalls and how Correct Capital can help businesses steer clear of them.

  • Not Paying Estimated Quarterly Taxes —

    Businesses may overlook or underpay quarterly estimated taxes, which can lead to penalties and interest from the IRS. Small businesses, freelancers, and companies with fluctuating income are particularly susceptible to this.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team assists in calculating and timing estimated tax payments to keep businesses compliant with IRS rules and avoid penalties.

  • Neglecting Retirement Plan Contributions for Owners and Employees —

    Many companies miss the opportunity to use retirement contributions to lower their taxable income. Plans like 401(k)s, SEP IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s can provide substantial tax benefits for both owners and employees.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We assist businesses in establishing retirement plans that cut taxes and appeal to prospective and current employees.

  • Not Planning for Profitability and Cash Flow —

    Many companies prioritize short-term tax savings over long-term profitability and growth. Such a narrow focus may cause missed opportunities for reinvestment or tax-efficient growth.

    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 —

    Many business owners don’t establish a succession plan to handle the financial details involved in 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. Without proper estate planning, owners might not fully address their loved ones’ and beneficiaries’ financial security.

    How Correct Capital Helps: We provide assistance in exit planning, helping business owners determine where to allocate sale proceeds. We aim to identify the purpose of sale proceeds and apply estate planning principles, so beneficiaries are accounted for and taxes are efficiently managed.

Tax Planning| Retirement Planners | Financial Advisor Near Me

Tax Planning in Phoenix, AZ | Correct Capital Wealth Management

Correct Capital’s financial advisors and tax planners in Phoenix, AZ recognize the importance of financial well-being for your family or business, today and into 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. With tax laws constantly evolving, it’s essential to have a strong team in place, including your Phoenix, AZ financial advisor, tax professional, and attorney. For support with tax planning, retirement planning, or any other financial concerns in Phoenix, AZ, contact Correct Capital at 877-930-4015 or reach out online.


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