These Tax Breaks Are a Big Boost to the Wealthy
Even though the new presidential administration has already made several tax cut promises that would greatly benefit the wealthy, the fact is, high net worth individuals already benefit from several tax breaks that favor the rich. In fact, there are numerous ways that the wealthy can, and are already saving on their tax bill.
Let’s take a look at three of the most tax-friendly laws for high net worth earners currently in the tax code. The Social Security earnings cap is one way the wealthy save on taxes. Because the government caps this tax at $127,200, those who earn $128,000 and those who earn 12 million will pay the same Social Security tax rate. That is a huge savings for the nation’s highest earners, which amounts to $62,000 in savings on every million dollars earned above the cap.
Next up is the capital gains tax rate, which favors the country’s highest earners as well. Because this rate is much lower than the personal income tax rate and most middle-income workers don’t earn their money through capital gains the middle class often pay a higher tax rate than high net worth individuals that earn all their money through capital gains.
Lastly, the mortgage interest deduction also helps the wealthy save on their taxes. Although this tax break clearly helps anyone that carries a mortgage, the wealthy usually receive a much greater benefit because the amount they pay in mortgage interest is typically much higher. Therefore, they receive a much higher deduction amount. Plus, if you don’t have enough itemized deductions to exceed the standard deduction amount you won’t get to claim the mortgage deduction anyways.
https://www.fool.com/retirement/2017/02/25/3-tax-breaks-that-hugely-benefit-the-rich.aspx
Updating Your Estate Plan
Updating Your Estate Plan It’s a good idea to update your estate plan every few years or after the occurrence of significant life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or adoption. Even if you haven’t experienced any of these events since you last updated your estate plan, there may have been…
Where Should You Keep Your Will?
Where Should You Keep Your Will? Planning your estate takes a considerable amount of time and effort. First, you must inventory what you own and decide how to divide your assets among your loved ones. Then you meet with your advisers—attorney, accountant, trust officer, insurance agent—to formalize your plans. Because you are conscientious, you review…
Will Contests: A Good Offense is the Best Defense
Will Contests: A Good Offense is the Best Defense When an elderly grandmother leaves all of her assets to a new beau, or Dad leaves everything to the child who visited most in the nursing home, a will challenge may be in the offing. Will contests generally are brought by unhappy family members who feel…
Capital Gains: Determining Your Tax Basis
Capital Gains: Determining Your Tax Basis The two chief forms of income for most people are “earned” and “unearned” income. Earned income (generally, your compensation for work that you do) is taxed at rates beginning at 10% and rising to 38.6% (in 2003). Capital gain, the income earned from your investments, receives preferential treatment. The…