by Stephen Reed | Accounting News, News, Newsletter, Tax, Tax Planning
After Donald Trump’s win in November, taxpayers are wondering how a second Trump term could reshape U.S. tax policy. Trump’s first term saw sweeping changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017. With key provisions of that legislation set to expire in 2025, Trump’s proposals offer a glimpse of his tax priorities. From significant individual tax cuts to business-friendly policies, here’s what you need to know.
The Expiration of the 2017 Tax Cuts
The TCJA lowered tax rates across the board, nearly doubling the standard deduction—which eliminated the need for itemized deductions—and capping the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000. These changes contributed to lower tax bills for many Americans. However, the individual tax cuts were temporary and are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts to extend them.
If re-elected, Trump has indicated that extending or making these provisions permanent would be a top priority. Without an extension, taxpayers could see higher marginal tax rates, a reduced standard deduction, and the return of personal exemptions.
Removing the $10,000 SALT Deduction Cap
The SALT deduction, which allows taxpayers to deduct state and local taxes on their federal tax returns, became a testy issue after the TCJA imposed a $10,000 cap. This change particularly affected residents in high-tax states like New York, California, and New Jersey.
Trump has proposed removing the cap, a move that would benefit taxpayers in those states while potentially increasing the federal deficit. Critics argue that eliminating the cap would disproportionately benefit higher-income households, but supporters see it as a necessary adjustment to provide relief to middle- and upper-income earners in high-tax areas. Steven Moore, a senior economic advisor to Trump, recently floated the idea of doubling the cap to $20,000 as a potential compromise.
Eliminating Taxes on Social Security and Tip Income
Currently, up to 85% of Social Security benefits can be taxable, depending on your income level. Trump’s tax plan consists of eliminating these taxes, which would provide retirees with additional financial security. Trump has also floated the idea of eliminating taxes on tips, which would increase take-home pay and simplify tax compliance for hospitality and service industry workers. However, this proposal has sparked discussion over the potential impact on tax revenue and fairness in the tax code.
Reducing the Corporate Tax Rate
The TCJA decreased the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, which rendered the U.S. more competitive globally. Trump has suggested lowering the rate even more, potentially to 15%. Those in favor of this plan say that it could spur economic growth and encourage domestic investment, while critics are concerned about increasing the federal deficit.
Trump’s Tariffs
Trump has been clear on his stance on tariffs. During his first term, Trump imposed tariffs on various goods, particularly from China. Tariffs are not taxes in the traditional sense, but they can indirectly affect taxpayers by increasing the cost of goods and services. Businesses often pass these costs onto consumers, so households, particularly those in middle- and lower-income brackets, could feel the strain of tariffs.
by Jean Miller | Accounting News, News, Newsletter, Small Business
As the United States prepares for a second Trump presidency, small business owners are paying close attention to the policies that could shape their future. Trump’s economic priorities, including tax reform and deregulation, will echo those from his first term. Here’s an analysis of how Trump’s proposed policies could impact small businesses.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: A Retrospective
One of Trump’s most influential achievements during his first term was the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017. The law lowered the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, benefiting small businesses organized as C-corporations. Additionally, it introduced the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, allowing certain pass-through entities—like sole proprietorships, S-corporations, and partnerships—to deduct up to 20% of their qualified income.
This meant lower overall tax liabilities for small businesses, leaving more funds for reinvestment, hiring, and growth. However, critics argue that larger businesses reaped the benefits disproportionately while small businesses felt minimal relief.
Key Focus Areas Under a Second Trump Administration
Several proposed policies stand out for their potential to reshape the small business landscape during Trump’s second administration.
Lower Corporate Taxes
Trump has suggested reducing the corporate tax rate further to 15%. For small businesses structured as corporations, this could mean even more tax savings, allowing for more funds to invest in technology, marketing, hiring, and training. Additionally, Trump has floated the idea of eliminating taxes on employee tips for hospitality and service workers.
Pros:
- Increased cash flow for reinvestment.
- Greater incentives to expand operations or hire employees.
Cons:
- Critics worry about the impact on the national deficit.
- Sole proprietors and other non-corporate structures may not see proportional benefits.
Deregulation
Deregulation was a hallmark of Trump’s initial term. In an effort to spur economic growth and encourage investment, his administration rolled back over 1,500 rules across industries. One of the most notable was the energy sector, where deregulation allowed oil and gas exploration to increase domestic energy production and reduce dependence on foreign oil. The result was cheaper gas prices, which directly benefited small businesses in delivery and transportation industries. If Trump continues to minimize compliance burdens, small businesses in sectors like energy, agriculture, and manufacturing will again benefit.
Pros:
- Lower compliance costs, especially for startups.
- Simplified operations in heavily regulated industries.
Cons:
- Some regulations, particularly those related to labor and environmental protections, are considered necessary for long-term sustainability and public welfare.
Tariffs and Trade Policy
Trump’s trade policies in his first term, including tariffs on goods from China and other countries, had a mixed effect on small businesses. The goal of imposing tariffs is to protect domestic manufacturers, but many small businesses that rely on imported materials faced higher costs. Biden kept Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports, and if Trump continues them into his second term, there could be a continuation of supply chain challenges and increased prices for certain goods.
Pros:
- American manufacturers may gain a competitive edge.
- Encourages investment in American supply chains.
Cons:
- Higher costs for imported materials could squeeze profit margins for U.S. manufacturers.
- Potential retaliatory tariffs by other countries could limit export opportunities for small businesses.
Access to Capital
Lending through the Small Business Administration (SBA) saw a notable increase during Trump’s first two years in office. By streamlining loan processes and promoting programs like the 7(a) Loan Program, his administration helped many small businesses secure funding. Looking forward, Trump could push for expanded SBA lending programs, which would make it easier for entrepreneurs to access the capital needed to grow.
Pros:
- Easier access to financing for new and existing businesses.
- Potential for strong economic growth at the community level.
Cons:
- Over-reliance on debt financing could lead to financial vulnerability during periods of economic uncertainty.
by Jean Miller | Accounting News, News, Newsletter, Small Business, Tax
A crucial tax benefit for businesses is on the verge of expiring. The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, a significant component of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), is set to end on December 31, 2025. Read on as we go over how this deduction works and how its impending expiration could affect small businesses.
What is the Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction?
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction, introduced by the TCJA, allows eligible small business owners to deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income from their taxable income. This deduction is available to individuals who own pass-through entities, such as sole proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, and some rental property owners.
How Does the QBI Deduction Work?
To qualify for the QBI deduction, business owners must meet several criteria:
- Type of Income: The deduction applies to income earned from a qualified trade or business, excluding investment income.
- Income Limits: For 2024, the QBI deduction begins to phase out for single taxpayers with taxable income over $191,500 and for married couples filing jointly with income over $383,900. Beyond these thresholds, the deduction may be subject to limitations based on wages paid and the value of qualified property.
- Specified Service Trades or Businesses (SSTBs): If a business falls under SSTBs—such as those in health, law, or consulting—the deduction may be limited or unavailable if the taxpayer’s income exceeds certain thresholds.
The QBI deduction also excludes capital gains or losses, dividends, interest income, and income earned outside the United States.
How Could the Expiration of the QBI Affect Your Small Business?
Let’s say you’re a small business owner who earned $150,000 this year. Without the QBI deduction, you’d be taxed on the full amount, minus any other eligible tax credits. Based on the current tax brackets, a single filer would fall into the 24% tax bracket for income between $95,375 and $182,100. Thus, you’d end up paying 24% on a portion of your income, totaling $36,000 in taxes.
With the QBI deduction, you can reduce your taxable income by 20%. This means instead of being taxed on $150,000, you’d only be taxed on $120,000. Despite remaining in the same 24% tax bracket, your tax bill would decrease to $28,800, which translates into a savings of $7,200.
For businesses with larger earnings, the benefits are even more substantial. Suppose your business earns $600,000 in income. Without the QBI deduction, you’d be taxed on the entire $600,000. At a 35% tax rate for single filers with this level of income, you’d face a tax bill of $210,000.
Applying the QBI deduction allows you to reduce your taxable income to $480,000. This adjustment results in a tax bill of $168,000 at the same 35% tax rate. Therefore, the QBI deduction saves you $42,000 in taxes each year. For high-earning businesses, such deductions can lead to significant tax savings.
The Impending Expiration and Its Impact
Unless Congress extends or modifies the QBI tax provision, it will expire at the end of 2025, and business owners will no longer benefit from this valuable tax break. The impact on small business owners could include:
- Increased Tax Liability: Without the 20% deduction, business owners will face higher taxable income, leading to potentially higher federal income taxes. For many small businesses, this could mean a substantial increase in their overall tax burden.
- Strategic Tax Planning: Business owners should consider how the expiration might affect their long-term tax strategy. The loss of this deduction may impact decisions related to business expansion, compensation structures, and other financial planning aspects.
- Legislative Uncertainty: The fate of the QBI deduction is still subject to legislative changes. While there is potential for an extension or modification, business owners should prepare for the possibility that the deduction may not be available beyond 2025.
Preparing for the Change
Given the potential tax increase, small business owners should take proactive steps:
- Consult a Tax Professional: Tax advisors can help navigate the complexities of tax planning in light of the impending expiration. They can offer strategies to mitigate the impact and prepare for future changes.
- Review Financial Projections: Business owners should analyze how losing the QBI deduction will affect financial projections and budgeting, and adjust business strategies accordingly.
- Stay Informed: Keeping current with legislative developments and changes in tax laws will help you adapt your financial plans effectively.
by Stephen Reed | Construction, Healthcare, News, Retirement, Tax, Tax Planning - Individual, Tax Preparation - Individual
The end of 2018 is quickly approaching, but there are a few key money moves you should make before the new year, especially in light of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The higher standard deduction means more Americans will ditch itemizing their 2018 federal tax returns.
That means you should probably focus on year-end tax strategies that first lower taxable income, rather than maximize tax deductions. Here are a few key items to tackle before the ball drops on the new year.
Take Stock of Losses
If you follow the stock market, you know that the last few months have been volatile, so there’s a good chance that some of your investments have become losses. That might sound bad, but any losses that are in a taxable account, such as an investment account, bank account, or money market mutual fund, can be sold to offset other taxable investment gains in the same year. Furthermore, if your losses exceed your gains, you can apply up to $3,000 to offset ordinary taxable income from this year.
Max Out Retirement Savings
As close as possible, that is. The more money you put into your 401(k), the more financial security you’ll have in the long run, but a lot of these contributions also reduce your taxable income. At this point you probably only have one or two more paychecks from which to have funds withheld, but even a few hundred dollars more can provide some near-term tax relief as well as bolster your retirement savings.
Fund Your HSA
You have until the 2018 tax-filing deadline to fully fund your health saving account (HSA) in order to get a bigger deduction. The maximum limits are:
- Individuals: $3,450
- Families: $6,900
- 55 or older: an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution
These accounts can roll over indefinitely, so they’re a smart way to save for future medical expenses. HSAs also have a triple tax benefit: contributions are tax-deductible (even if you don’t itemize), earned interest is tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free as long as they’re used to pay for qualified medical expenses.
Use Up Your FSA
The funds in a flexible spending account typically don’t roll over to the next calendar year. However, some employers allow $500 to carry over into the new year or grant employees until March to spend FSA funds. Even so, now is a good time to use the pretax dollars for doctor appointments, flu shots, and even some “everyday” drugstore items, such as non-prescription reading glasses, contact lenses and solutions, and reading glasses.
Maximize Deductions
If you’re wondering whether you should itemize your 2018 tax returns or take the standard deduction, here are a few last things to keep in mind:
- Medical treatment: If you spend more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income this year on medical expenses, you can deduct those costs.
- Property taxes: If you paid less than the $10,000 limit for state and local taxes, your state may allow you to prepay 2019 property taxes. This way you’ll get the most from the state and local taxes deduction.
- Mortgage Interest: Provided you’re not near the cap on the mortgage interest deduction, which is $750,000 after the new tax law, you can make your January mortgage payment in December to boost the amount of interest you paid during the 2018 tax year.
- Charitable donations: If you routinely give to charities, double up on contributions and make your 2019 donation before year’s end. If you put the double donation into a donor advised fund, which is like a charitable investment account, you’re eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. That means you can take the deduction for 2018 while your funds are invested for tax-free growth, allowing you to make distributions to charity next year or beyond.
by Stephen Reed | Accounting News, News, Tax, Tax Planning
Are your employees reimbursed for work-related travel expenses? If not, you might want to reconsider. Changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act make reimbursements even more attractive to employees.
The new tax code implemented significant changes to moving and travel expenses, including business-related travel expenses incurred by employees. Under the previous law, work-related travel expenses that weren’t reimbursed were generally deductible on an employee’s individual tax return (subject to a 50% limit for meals and entertainment) as a miscellaneous itemized deduction. However, many employees weren’t able to take advantage of the deduction because they a) didn’t itemize deductions, or b) didn’t have enough miscellaneous itemized expenses to exceed the 2% of adjusted gross income (AGI) floor that applied.
With the new tax code, business travel is still entirely deductible, but not by individual taxpayers because miscellaneous itemized deductions, including employee business expenses, are no longer permitted to be claimed on individual tax returns. Instead, only businesses are able to deduct these expenses, which is why business travel expense reimbursements are now more significant to current employees and more attractive to prospective employees.
In order to be deductible, travel expenses must be valid business expenses and the reimbursements must adhere to IRS rules – either with an accountable plan or the per diem method.
Accountable Plan
Employee expenses reimbursed under an employer’s accountable plan do not contribute to the employee’s income. The accountable plan is a formal agreement to advance, reimburse or grant allowances for business expenses. To qualify as an accountable plan, it must meet the following criteria:
- Payments must be for “ordinary and necessary” business expenses
- Employees must substantiate these expenses (including amounts, times, and places) monthly
- Employees must return any advance or allowances they can’t substantiate within a reasonable time, typically 120 days
Plans that fail to meet these guidelines will be treated by the IRS as “non-accountable”,
and reimbursements will be included in the employee’s gross income as taxable wages subject to withholding and employment taxes (employer and employee).
Per Diem
In some cases, the per diem method may be used. Instead of tracking actual business travel expenses, employers use IRS tables to determine reimbursements for lodging, meal, and incidental expenses. Substantiation of time, place, and amount must still be provided, and the IRS imposes heavy penalties on businesses that routinely pay employees more than the appropriate per diem amount.
If you have any questions about the TCJA’s impact on your business, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
