7 ways to reduce your tax liability

If you’re looking to reduce your taxes, there are simple steps you can take to minimize how much tax you pay. From contributing more to your pension plan to donating to charity, here’s your guide to minimizing your taxes.

Between federal, state and local taxes, it’s easy to lose a sizable amount of your money to the IRS.

And with so many people already feeling the pinch, losing so much of your income can leave you wanting to pay just little a less to make things easier.  

Fortunately, the US tax system comes with some built-in rebates and exemptions that are designed to help people minimize their tax contributions.

Normally, these exemptions apply when you have used your money in a certain way, made certain donations, or need help meeting key personal financial commitments or payments.  

Plan your taxes right and you can reduce the amount of tax you pay. Or even land yourself a healthy rebate by the end of the year. 

So, with the above in mind, here are our top tips on how to help reduce your tax liability.

1. Contribute more to your pension plans 

The amount of income tax you pay is based on your gross income, and the simplest way to reduce your gross income is to optimize your pension contributions.  

Whether you manage your own 401(k) or IRS account, or have an employer-sponsored pension plan, you can contribute more from your monthly income to your savings schemes without paying additional tax on it.

Your growing savings will amass and compound over time, and you will only pay tax when you take out your savings.

This can also be made tax-efficient, meaning that simply paying a little more each month can save you more money further down the line.  

2. Plan ahead

The US tax code comes with two main deductions: A standard tax deduction depending on your filing status and a number of itemized deductions that can require more planning but can also save you more money.  

The standard deduction can always make a helpful difference to individuals and families looking to minimize their monthly tax contributions.

Typically though, planning ahead and keeping records and receipts of how you use your money can make taking itemized deductions better for reducing your liability.  

Some itemized deductions you could make include: 

• Health Savings Account (HSA) deduction 

• State and local tax deduction 

• Medical expense deduction 

• Student loan interest deduction 

• Mortgage interest deduction 

• Educator expense deduction

3. Donate to charity

Charitable donations can also reduce your tax liability.

Charitable organizations are tax-exempt, and any donations you make to these organizations are free of tax.

You can deduct up to 60 per cent of your gross adjusted income by making donations to tax-free organizations, but be aware that some organizations might be restricted to lower levels of tax-free income.

4. Invest in municipal bonds

When you buy a government bond, you’ll receive the amount of money you invested plus some interest on top once the bond has reached its maturity day — the date at which the bond has repaid in full.  

When you buy a municipal bond, you’re effectively lending money to the government so that it can finance its day-to-day activities, and many of these bonds are tax-exempt.

Municipal bonds are very safe and there is next to zero chance that you won’t get at least some money back.

But with US government and municipal bonds some of the safest investments in the world, you’re unlikely to get much back in the way of profit.

5. Beware Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax is a tax on assets that you have sold for a profit.

From stocks and shares to real estate, if you’ve sold something at a profit, it’s likely Capital Gains Tax will kick in and take a chunk of the profit leftover.  

But while Capital Gains Tax can be an unwelcome hit to your finances, there are ways to make it work for you.

The longer you hold an asset without selling it on, and depending on your income levels, the more preferential your Capital Gains Tax rates become.

For example, if you sell an asset within 12 months of owning it, you’re likely to face a minimum Capital Gains Tax rate of around 37 per cent. Sell it after 12 months, and you will be taxed at 20 per cent — potentially even lower.  

Moreover, certain tax exemptions also exist if you were to sell an asset at a loss.

Depending on your filing status, you could subtract several thousands of dollars in capital gains losses.

6. Claim tax credits 

Just as there are certain tax exemptions that can help you land a healthy tax rebate, tax credits are paid directly to you to help you with meeting certain tax liabilities and outstanding costs.

Some examples of tax credits include: 

• Adoption credit 

• Education credit 

• Child and dependent care credit 

• Mortgage interest credit

• Energy credit

7. Speak to a financial advisor  

The US tax system isn’t always easy to understand. With various deductions at your fingertips, credits you could claim and simple ways you can minimize your tax liability, it isn’t always easy to know how best to manage your money.  

But speaking to a financial advisor can help. Whether you need tailored advice that helps you meet your financial goals, or simply need help protecting your money from an additional tax hit, a financial advisor can help.