Time is running out for 2013 tax cutting

There’s not much time left for you to make beneficial tax moves for 2013. Consider these possibilities.

* Maximize retirement plan contributions. For 2013, you can put $17,500 in a 401(k) plan, $12,000 in a SIMPLE, or $5,500 in an IRA. If you’re 50 or older, you can set aside even more as “catch-up” contributions.

* Decide whether to sell investments to offset gains or losses already taken this year. You can deduct $3,000 of net losses against ordinary income.

* Estimate your tax liability for 2013, taking the new Medicare tax increases for higher-income taxpayers into account. If you’ll be underpaid, adjust your final quarterly tax payment or your December withholding.

* December 31 is the deadline for taking a 2013 required minimum distribution from your traditional IRA if you’re 70½ or older. Miss this requirement and a 50% penalty could apply.

* Purchase needed business equipment to use the first-year $500,000 expensing option for new and used equipment and 50% bonus depreciation for new equipment.

* Make energy-saving home improvements that could qualify for a lifetime tax credit of up to $500.

* Finalize annual gifts to use the 2013 exclusion from gift tax on gifts of up to $14,000 per recipient.

Contact our office for details on these and other year-end tax moves.

Gilliland & Associates, PC is a full-service CPA firm specializing in tax planning for individuals and businesses in the Northern Virginia area. We are based in Falls Church, VA and also service clients in the McLean and Tysons Corner, VA. Gilliland & Associates specializes known for our superior knowledge and aggressive interpretation and application of tax laws, we help you keep more of your earnings by finding you the lowest possible tax on your business or personal tax return. You can connect with us on Google+ <https://plus.google.com/108764776146415485651/posts> , LinkedIn <http://www.linkedin.com/in/gillilandcpa> , Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/gillilandcpa> , and Twitter <https://twitter.com/dnggcpa>

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