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What you need to know about filing post-COVID taxes in 2023
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service senior vice president Mark Steber explains how Biden's proposed tax hikes could impact returns on 'The Claman Countdown.'
Taxpayers who sold some investments this year may be able to employ an oft-overlooked tool to whittle down the taxes owed and qualify for a 0% rate.
There are three income-based tax brackets on long-term capital gains: 0%, 15% and 20%, as well as a 3.8% Medicare surcharge imposed on the wealthiest Americans.
For the 2023 tax season, the 0% rate on long-term capital gains – any asset held for longer than a year – can be applied to taxable income of $41,675 or less for single filers and $83,350 or less for married couples filing jointly.
The income limits are also higher than they appear: That's because the 0% rate is based on an individual's taxable income, which is calculated by subtracting the standard deduction or a total of itemized deductions – whichever is greater – from your adjusted gross income. In 2022, the standard deduction is $12,950 for single filers and $25,900 for joint filers.
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View of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington, DC, on January 24, 2023. (STEFANI REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Nominally, that means the rate applies to a minimum of $57,575 for individuals and $109,250 for married couples.
But even for taxpayers that qualify for the rate, there are limitations.
"There’s a lot of confusion about how the 0% rate works," Eric Bronnenkant, a certified financial planner and the head of tax at Betterment.com, told FOX Business. "The way I try to start the explanation is that there’s no such thing as an unlimited 0% rate."
One important caveat is the concept of "stacking," he said, in which ordinary income is used as the primary qualifier for the 0% rate.
For instance, if an individual had long-term capital gains and qualified dividends of $20,000 and earned $100,000, they may falsely believe they are eligible for the 0% rate. But because of the "stacking" principle – in which ordinary income is at the bottom and the capital gains are on the top – a $100,000 salary would push that individual into the 15% rate.
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A blank 1040 tax return form from the IRS. (iStock / iStock)
"I would call it a common misconception," Bronnenkant said.
On top of that, there is a limit to how much investment income is tax-free. Even if taxpayers have no taxable income, the 0% rate on long-term capital gains only works up to the income-level threshold.
"A common question I’ve gotten is, ‘If all I have is $1 million in long-term gains and qualified dividends and that’s my only income, can I get the 0% rate?'" he said. "I’m like yes, but not on $1 million. You’ll get it on a small portion of that amount."
There are also strategies that higher earners can utilize in order to take advantage of the 0% long-term capital gains tax rate, according to Michael Ruger, partner and chief investment officer at Greenbush Financial Group in Albany, New York.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Saturday, June 26, 2021. (Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
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Taxpayers can play what Ruger referred to as the "income timing game" to optimize the lower rate: If an individual plans to retire soon, they may consider waiting to sell that investment property until after retirement, because they will fall into a lower tax bracket than in their working years.
"When you look at someone who you have some of these higher-net worth individuals, they can basically pick their tax rate," he told FOX Business. "They don't show an income. They're pulling money out of after-tax assets."
Alright, let me dive into the nitty-gritty of this tax business. First off, Mark Steber, the senior vice president at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, knows his stuff. If you're wondering about Biden's proposed tax hikes and how they might mess with your returns, he's the guy to listen to. He's been breaking it down on 'The Claman Countdown.' Trust me, this guy is in the loop.
Now, let's talk long-term capital gains. The IRS has this neat setup with three income-based tax brackets: 0%, 15%, and 20%, plus an extra 3.8% for the high rollers through the Medicare surcharge. For the 2023 tax season, the 0% rate on long-term capital gains can be your best friend if your taxable income is $41,675 or less for single filers, or $83,350 or less for those hitched and filing jointly. But here's the catch—it's not as straightforward as it seems.
Eric Bronnenkant, the head of tax at Betterment.com, a certified financial planner, points out a common misunderstanding called "stacking." It's like building a tax tower, where your ordinary income is the base, and capital gains are on top. Earn too much in salary, and you might knock yourself out of that sweet 0% bracket and into the 15% range.
Oh, and don't get too excited about having a million dollars in long-term gains and thinking you'll pay nada in taxes. There's a limit to this tax-free party, and it's tied to the income-level threshold.
Now, here's a pro tip from Michael Ruger, partner and chief investment officer at Greenbush Financial Group in Albany, New York. He talks about playing the "income timing game." If you're planning to retire, hold off on selling that investment until after you retire. Why? Because you'll likely be in a lower tax bracket, and who doesn't love paying less tax?
So, whether you're knee-deep in investments or just getting started, remember these nuggets when navigating the tax labyrinth. It's a game of numbers, and with the right moves, you can optimize that tax bill like a pro.
