IRS Announces New Inflation Adjustments for 2017
![shutterstock_388102420-[Converted]](https://groco.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/shutterstock_388102420-Converted.png "shutterstock_388102420-[Converted]")
While the 2016 tax year is still not quite over, the IRS has already announced some important inflation adjustments for the 2017 tax year, which taxpayers will file for in 2018. While you might be more worried about your upcoming tax return, there are some important changes to know about. However, that being said, with the new president-elect set to take office in January, some, or all of these changes could be changed again, as Donald Trump has already made it clear he wants to rewrite the nation’s tax policy.
In the meantime, the IRS stated that the standard deduction for taxpayers who are married filing jointly will increase by $100 to $12,700. However, the personal exemption for single filers will stay the same as last year at $4,050. The inflation adjustments also increased the top income levels of the tax brackets, but if Trump’s planned changes occur then these brackets would be obsolete, as the president-elect has already stated he wants to drop the current seven bracket system and replace it with just three.
Another tax that would be affected is the estate tax, which currently kicks in on estates with assets that surpass $5.45 million. In 2017 that number increases to $5.49 million. However, Trump has also stated that he would like to completely wipe out the estate tax so this could also be of little consequence by this time next year. Inflation adjustments will also affect the limit above which itemized deductions can be reduced, the maximum amount for earned income credit and the Alternative minimum tax.
http://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2016/oct/2017-inflation-adjustments-201615410.html
The Importance of Life Insurance in Estate Planning
Life Insurance for Estate Planning As part of the estate planning process, you may talk to any number of advisors—from lawyers, accountants and trust officers, to financial and retirement planners. These advisors often provide not only valuable services, but also may be in the business of selling investments, annuities and insurance. You will need to…
How to Raise Children That Become Entrepreneurs
How to Raise Children That Become Entrepreneurs By Lauren Hidden Ever since my kids can remember, I’ve worked from home. Sometimes I have to remind them that I’m not sitting home playing with their toys or eating bon-bons when they’re at the babysitter or at school, but for the most part they “get it”. As…
Transferring Assets to a Second Spouse (and to children from the first)
Transferring Assets to a Second Spouse (and to children from the first) Elizabeth and Thomas Carr (names fictitious), both in their late 60s, each have one child from a prior marriage. During the 30-plus years of their marriage, they each have accumulated an estate of over $5 million. The full $1.5 million credit against estate…
The Roth IRA Advantage: A Closer Look
The Roth IRA Advantage: A Closer Look Since its debut in 1997, the Roth IRA, naturally enough, has been sold mainly as a retirement account. To be sure, the prospect of a stream of tax-free income to support a comfortable retirement is a powerful stimulant. To earn that freedom from taxes, you do have to…