Year-End Tax Checklist for Ambitious Parents

As an ambitious parent, managing your finances efficiently is essential for securing your family's future and achieving your financial goals. Year-end tax planning is a crucial component of your financial plan. By taking strategic steps before the year-end, you can potentially reduce your current year’s tax liability, optimize your investments, and ensure a brighter financial future for your family. Here is a year-end tax checklist to help you navigate this complex landscape:

1. Review Your Investment Portfolio

Before the year-end, it's vital to conduct a thorough review of your investment portfolio. Evaluate the expenses and performance of your investments and consider making any necessary adjustments. This could include rebalancing your portfolio to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Assessing your investments at year-end can help you make informed decisions about selling, holding, or purchasing assets to optimize your overall investment strategy. Consider the following actions:

• Harvest Capital Gains and Losses: Review your investment gains and losses for the year. If you have unrealized capital losses, you should consider selling those investments to offset any capital gains, reducing your taxable income. Be careful triggering “wash sales” and make sure you are comfortable with the substitute investment you choose. A quick run up in price of the new security may make the gain of selling, at a loss, and going back to your original security not worth it. Pay particular attention to capital gain distributions being paid out by mutual funds at the end of the year. “Buying” into those distributions can be costly if you do not pay attention to the details. On the flip side, taking gains may make sense for you, depending on your tax bracket. The 0% long-term capital gain tax rate works for some situations based on income levels.
• Asset Allocation: Ensure that your asset allocation aligns with your long-term goals and risk tolerance. Make adjustments as necessary to maintain a balanced and diversified portfolio. If you need to sell investments with gains to rebalance to your desired levels, put off those trades until the new year. You should also consider incorporating “Asset Location” into your investments and overall financial plan if you are able to have .
• Tax-Efficient Investments: Consider using investments with tax-efficient strategies, and tax-efficient investment vehicles like ETFs, which can help minimize your tax liability.

2. Contribute to Tax-Advantaged Accounts

One of the most effective ways to reduce your taxable income is by contributing to tax-advantaged accounts. Maximize your contributions to these accounts before year-end to take full advantage of their benefits:

• Retirement Accounts (e.g., 401(k) or IRA): Contribute the maximum amount allowed by law to your retirement accounts. Not only will this reduce your current year’s tax liability, but it will also help build your nest egg for the future.
• 529 College Savings Plans: If you're saving for your children's education, consider contributing to a 529 College Savings Plan. Contributions to these plans may be deductible on your state income tax return, and earnings are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): If you have a high-deductible health plan, contribute to an HSA. HSA contributions are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.

3. Charitable Giving

Charitable giving not only supports worthy causes but can also provide tax benefits for ambitious parents and investors. Before year-end, consider making charitable contributions and take advantage of these potential tax savings:

• Itemized Deductions: Review your potential itemized deductions and consider making additional charitable contributions. Keep detailed records of your donations and ensure they go to qualified nonprofit organizations.
• Donor-Advised Funds: Establish a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) if you plan to give a significant amount to charity over time. Contributions to a DAF are tax-deductible in the year they are made, even if the distributions to charities occur in later years. Consider “bunching” your contribution of deposits to your DAF every 2 or 3 years to maximize tax savings.
• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD): Instead of paying income tax on your required minimum distribution (RMD), consider donating some or all of those required distributions directly to charity.
• Appreciated Assets: If you have appreciated assets such as stocks or real estate, consider donating them to charities. This allows you to avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation while still receiving a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the asset.

4. Estate Planning

Estate planning is a critical aspect of securing your family's financial future. While the current estate tax exemption is relatively high, it's essential to review your estate plan and take necessary actions before the year-end:

• Update Your Will and Estate Plan: Ensure that your will, trusts, and other estate planning documents are up to date and reflect your current wishes. Be certain that they consider your family's changing needs and circumstances.
• Annual Gift Exclusion: Take advantage of the annual gift exclusion to make tax-free gifts to your children or other beneficiaries. The annual gift exclusion is $18,000 for 2024. Gifting assets now can reduce the size of your taxable estate.
• Consider Estate Tax Strategies: If your estate is likely to exceed the federal estate tax exemption, explore estate planning strategies to minimize your estate tax liability.

As ambitious parents you have a unique set of financial responsibilities and opportunities. By proactively managing your investments, leveraging tax-advantaged accounts, engaging in charitable giving, and addressing estate planning, you can take steps to secure your family's financial future and minimize your tax liability. Remember that tax laws can change, so it's essential to consult with a tax professional or financial advisor to tailor your year-end tax planning strategy to your specific circumstances and the most current tax regulations. Taking these actions can help you achieve your financial goals and provide a solid foundation for your family's future.

If you need help reviewing your own personal situation and options, schedule a complimentary consultation with me, a financial advisor specializing in wealth planning for parents who want to provide the best life for their family and still retire well.

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