The latest news and financial insights from your friends at 1st Nor Cal Credit Union.
1st Nor Cal Credit Union - Website
March 2019
Table of Contents
Visit Website
Locations & Hours
Loans & Rates
Online Banking
Mobile Banking
Financials
Member Discounts
Contact Us
Win $50!
There are two member numbers spelled out within the text of this eNewsletter. Find your number and give us a call at
(888) 387-8632 to claim $50!
Follow Us:
Welcome to our NEW Connections eNewsletter format.
Return to All Articles
No Need to Itemize to Claim These Deductions on Your 2018 Tax Return
by Jason Vitucci, CFP® & Gene A Schnabel

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ushered in a number of changes impacting taxpayers at all income levels. These changes include new tax rates and adjusted income thresholds, as well as a significantly higher standard deduction ($12,000 for single filers and $24,000 for married couples filing jointly). The new law also eliminated a number of itemized deductions, while limiting others. As you prepare to file your first return under the new tax law, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to take the standard deduction or itemize.

Under the new law, if you have less than $12,000 in deductible expenses ($24,000 for a married couple), it makes sense to take the higher, standard deduction. However, keep in mind, even if you take the standard deduction, you may still be able to claim certain “above-the-line” deductions to further lower you tax bill. These deductions are subtracted from your income before your adjusted gross income (AGI) is calculated for tax purposes. Below are several deductions you may be eligible to take, whether or not you itemize on your 2018 return. Since this is not a complete list of deductions you may be eligible for, be sure to consult your tax professional for more information.

Traditional IRA contributions may be deductible if you meet the eligibility requirements. Remember, you have until April 15, 2019 to make an IRA contribution for tax-year 2018. IRA contribution limits for 2018 are $5,500 for those under age 50 with earned income from wage earnings. Those age 50 and older in 2018 are eligible to make an additional catch-up contribution of $1,000, for a total annual IRA contribution of $6,500 for tax-year 2018.2

Health savings accounts (HSAs) are generally available to individuals with high-deductible health plans to help offset out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Contributions are tax deductible on your federal return up to $3,450 for individuals in 2018, and $6,900 for qualifying family plans—as long as you made them with after-tax dollars. (You can’t deduct contributions made through an employer plan using pre-tax dollars.) Those age 55 or older in 2018 were eligible for an additional $1,000 in catch-up contributions for a total of $4,450 for individuals, and $7,900 for families.3

Penalties on early withdrawals from CDs are also deductible, whether or not you itemize, regardless of the amount of the penalty.4

Alimony that you pay to a former spouse may be deducted as long as 1) your divorce agreement was signed before December 31, 2018, and 2) the payments are disclosed in your divorce agreement. You must also report your former spouse’s Social Security number so the IRS can verify that your ex-spouse reports the same amount as taxable income.4

This information is not provided as tax advice. Be sure to consult your tax professional with questions regarding these and other tax matters. If you have questions about tax-advantaged planning and investment strategies, call the office to schedule time to talk about how we work with clients.

If you feel that we may be a fit to work together please don’t hesitate to contact our office. As a valued 1st Nor Cal member, we invite you to contact us for a complimentary financial analysis. We also invite you to attend any Retirement Planning workshops that we hold. For more information about our practice, or to make an appointment, please call us at (925) 370-3750 or visit our website www.vitucciintegratedplanning.com.

2890 N. Main Street, Suite 201
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
925.370.3750
info@vitucciplanning.com
 
Securities through First Allied Securities, a registered broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through First Allied Advisory Services, Inc. Registered Investment Advisor. Investments not FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF insured, not insured by Credit Union, may lose value. Products offered are not guarantees or obligations of the Credit Union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. 1st Nor Cal CU, Bay Area Retirement Solutions and First Allied are all separate entities. Jason Vitucci CA Insurance Lic.: 0F59894, Gene A. Schnabel CA Insurance Lic.: 0663016
 
2: https://www.fool.com/retirement/2016/12/15/what-is-an-above-the-line-tax-deduction.aspx

3: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/irs-allows-higher-retirement-savings-account-limits-in-2018/

4: https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/taxes/T054-S001-tax-deductions-if-you-claim-the-standard deduction/index.html?rid=EML&rmrecid=3544116303
BRANCH LOCATIONS
1111 Pine St, Martinez
538 Center Ave, Martinez
4261 Century Blvd, Pittsburg
560 First St, Suite B-106, Benicia
2500 Nevin Ave, Richmond
HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon - Wed: 9:00am - 4:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

24-HOUR MEMBER SERVICE
(888) 387-8632
Federally insured by the NCUA
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. National Credit Union Administrations, a U.S. Government Agency.
We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
Recommended Five-Star Institution by Bauer Financial "Because peace of mind matters"
Recommended Five-Star Institution by Bauer Financial "Because peace of mind matters"

www.bauerfinancial.com
The information contained in this email (the “Content”) is provided for informational and educational purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness, or fitness for any particular purpose. The Content is not intended to be and does not constitute financial, investment, tax or accounting advice or a solicitation to buy or sell securities. The Content is necessarily general in nature and is not specific to you or anyone else. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR OWN INVESTMENT, TAX OR ACCOUNTING ADVISORS BEFORE IMPLEMENTING ANY ADVICE INCLUDED IN THE CONTENT. By viewing or utilizing the Content, you agree that you will not hold Marquis, Inc., 1st Nor Cal Credit Union or their affiliates or agents responsible for loss or damages resulting from the Content.
Copyright © 2024 1st Nor Cal Credit Union. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent to you by 1st Nor Cal Credit Union located at 1111 Pine St, Martinez, CA 94553.
 
If you no longer wish to receive emails from us please go here.
 
Security Key: