So, why do we think early tax planning is appropriate this year? Actually, with the prospect of major tax reform on the horizon, some strategies can be put into place before the end of the year that can substantially reduce your 2017 tax bill. That would be nice.
One example of itemizing deductions includes the cost of medical and dental expenses. For seniors with medical deductions, these include health insurance premiums. In the past, the medical expense deduction had a limit to the amount that exceeds 7.5% of a taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI). I know this is not the most exciting subject; yet, is important that you pay attention to this change.
Congress created Achieving Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts in 2014. Before ABLE accounts existed, individuals with disabilities who were eligible for Medicaid or federal Supplemental Security Income were limited to a maximum of $2,000 in assets. These assets included bank savings accounts. There is good news for the disabled. Now that has all changed.