Happy New Year! It’s a new year, a new you, and a new time to do things differently—like your taxes. Tax-filing season is officially here, and there are many things you can do to be prepared and organized. Here are a few simple tips that can help you save time, stress, and money:

 

• Double-check your paycheck – If you haven’t checked the withholding amount on your pay stub lately, now is the time to make sure you’re deducting the right amount.
• Decide who will prepare your taxes – Major life-changing events such as career, marriage, and death can make taxes more complicated, so it’s important to hire the right tax professional to handle your taxes.
• Ensure beneficiary designations are up to date – It may not matter today, but down the road, it’ll help minimize the taxes your beneficiaries and heirs pay on your assets after you die.
• Max out retirement plan contributions – The money you put in your tax-deferred accounts reduces your taxable income and your tax bill while growing until you need the money in retirement.
• Shield yourself from tax scams – Do not respond to phone calls or emails from anyone claiming to be from the IRS or the U.S. Treasury—those organizations will never call you on the phone.
• Consider “bunching” deductions – This process is achieved by pushing deductible expenses into the same calendar year to exceed thresholds and allow you to itemize tax deductions.
• Consider converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs -– These withdrawals aren’t considered income for federal tax purposes, and you don’t have to take RMDs from them every year. (Note that when you convert, it’s taxable income, which will raise your tax bill for that year).

 

Preparing for taxes can seem overwhelming. It pays to stay organized during this time. As your dedicated team, we’re committed to your financial success.

 

Securities offered through SCF Securities,Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC 155 E. Shaw Ave. Suite 102, Fresno, CA 93710 • (800) 955-2517 •Fax (559) 456- 6109. SCF Securities, Inc. and Creative Financial Strategies LLC are independently owned and operated. www.scfsecurities.com Note: Securities offered through SCF Securities Inc., Investment Advisory Services offered through SCF Investment Advisors, Inc. This document is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. One should consult a legal or tax professional regarding their own personal situation. Any comments regarding safe and secure investments and guaranteed income streams refer only to fixed insurance products offered by an insurance company. They do not refer in any way to securities or investment advisory products Insurance policy applications are vetted through an underwriting process set forth by the issuing insurance company. Some applications may not be accepted based upon adverse underwriting results.  Death benefit payouts are based upon the claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company. The firm providing this document is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other government entity.