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

Tax Planning in Tempe, 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 vital to successful retirement planning. At Correct Capital, we don’t give tax advice; however, we collaborate with local Tempe, AZ individuals, families, and businesses to discover creative and proven ways to lower their tax obligations. For instance, we might advise an individual to maximize deductible contributions to their retirement plan, which can help lessen tax costs. 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 Tempe, AZ Individuals and Families

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

  • Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing —

    The standard deduction is a fixed 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 trade-off is that itemizing takes more time, as you need to provide evidence for each deduction. A financial planner in Tempe, AZ can help determine whether taking the standard deduction or itemizing is more suitable.

  • Review Your Retirement Accounts —

    Roth IRAs and Traditional IRAs both present unique tax benefits. With a traditional IRA, your contributions may be deductible, and you defer taxes until you take distributions. On the other hand, Roth IRAs do not offer a deduction for contributions, yet allow your money to grow tax-free. Which account benefits you most will depend on your specific tax planning needs. If you expect future tax rates to increase, a Roth conversion, or moving funds from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA, might be wise to lock in tax-free growth while paying taxes upfront.

    If you have a 401(k) plan with your employer, it's possible to defer part of your salary directly into your 401(k) account. For 2024, you can contribute up to $23,000 to a 401(k), plus an extra $7,500 if you are over age 50.

    If you're self-employed or have freelance income, you may also establish a retirement plan that suits your situation. 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. The IRS allows up to $3,000 in capital loss deductions annually, and any unused losses may be applied to 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 —

    Roughly 95% of married individuals file jointly, as this is required for some tax benefits and credits. In cases where one spouse earns more, filing separately could result in a lower tax bracket for the higher earner. In situations where one spouse has substantial medical expenses, separate filing can help reach the medical deduction threshold.

  • Make Charitable Donations —

    You can deduct up to 60% of your adjusted gross income by making donations to certain organizations. Per IRS Publication 526, eligible organizations may include the following:

    • Non-profits that are religious, scientific, educational, or focused on preventing cruelty to animals or children
    • Non-profits supporting veterans
    • Domestic fraternal organizations operating under a "lodge system" if funds go to charity
    • Organizations managing cemeteries
    • Government agencies at any level within the U.S. when funds are for public benefit
    • Canadian, Mexican, or Israeli organizations, provided they meet U.S. charity qualifications

    *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. If you are 73 or older, that donation also counts toward your required minimum distribution, which may reduce both your future required distributions and tax burden.

By working with an experienced financial adviser for tax planning in Tempe, AZ, you can reduce your tax liability this year and create a plan for managing taxes through retirement. At Correct Capital, our goal is to help you save now and position yourself for financial stability in the future.

Common Tax Planning Mistakes for Tempe, AZ Individuals and Families

Smart tax planning is vital for your family’s overall financial security. Unfortunately, errors in tax planning often cause people to owe more or miss savings opportunities. Here’s a look at some typical tax planning missteps and how Correct Capital helps you avoid 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: 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 —

    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 —

    When investment decisions are made without considering tax consequences, returns may be reduced. This often happens when asset location strategies are ignored or tax losses are not harvested.

    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 —

    Life events, including marriage, divorce, welcoming a child, or buying a property, often alter your tax landscape considerably. 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: Our team assists in creating a cash reserve plan to ensure you meet estimated tax obligations, reducing the risk of penalties.

  • 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: We offer guidance on the benefits of HSAs and FSAs, assessing whether they suit your circumstances and helping you allocate pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses to lower taxable income.

  • Overlooking Education Savings Plans —

    Failing to consider 529 college savings plans may mean missing valuable tax benefits for education savings.

    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

    Having too much or too little tax withheld from your paycheck can lead to either a large refund or an unexpected tax bill.

    How Correct Capital Helps: Our team helps you adjust your W-4 form to achieve accurate withholding, enhancing cash flow and preventing unexpected tax bills.

  • 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 help you plan charitable donations to take full advantage of tax benefits, offering assistance with Qualified Charitable Distributions when applicable.

Tax Planning for Tempe, AZ Business Owners

Business owners in Tempe, AZ can benefit from effective tax planning to retain more money within their business. Consider these points when tax planning for your Tempe, AZ business:

  • Review the Structure of Your Business —

    Your business structure plays a significant role in tax planning and should be carefully evaluated. 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 —

    Offering retirement benefits like 401(k)s, 403(b)s, or other defined contribution plans can lower your tax burden. The 2019 "SECURE" Act introduced new retirement plan rules, so consulting a financial advisor about their tax implications may be beneficial.

    For high-income business owners with well-paid employees, consider a Cash Balance Pension Plan. While this may involve substantial contributions, the tax savings can be considerable.

  • 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 Tempe, AZ business type, you and your employees may qualify to use a company vehicle with deductible transportation costs. This deduction can be made in two ways:

    • Use the standard mileage rate to deduct 67 cents per mile (applicable for both 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 —

    Boosting employee wages often results in higher employment taxes. 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 can’t be claimed this year, it may be possible to carry them forward into a future tax year. These may include deductions such as home office expenses, net operating losses, business credits, and capital losses.

Business tax laws change frequently. One advantage of working with a professional Tempe, AZ tax planner is that they will collaborate with you and your tax professional to find ways to improve long-term financial success.

Common Tax Planning Mistakes for Tempe, AZ Businesses

With smart tax planning, businesses can minimize liabilities and enhance 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. This is especially common among small businesses, freelancers, or companies with variable income.

    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. 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 work with businesses to set up and maximize retirement plans, which reduce taxes while also helping attract and retain talent.

  • Not Planning for Profitability and Cash Flow —

    Some businesses only focus on minimizing their current tax bill, neglecting long-term growth and profitability. 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 —

    A succession plan addressing the financial aspects of selling a business is often overlooked by owners. 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: Our team supports business owners in exit planning, helping them decide how to manage the proceeds from a sale. We focus on defining the purpose of these funds and addressing them from an estate planning perspective, ensuring beneficiaries are considered and taxes are minimized through careful planning.

Tax Planning| Retirement Planners | Financial Advisor Near Me

Tax Planning in Tempe, AZ | Correct Capital Wealth Management

Correct Capital’s financial advisors and tax planners in Tempe, 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 Tempe, AZ financial advisor, tax professional, and attorney. For support with tax planning, retirement planning, or any other financial concerns in Tempe, AZ, contact Correct Capital at 877-930-4015 or reach out online.


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