As the end of the year approaches, so to does tax time and preparation for filing one’s tax return. Here, Julie Brufke Wenger, owner of Phoenix Tax Consultants (AKA “the tax tacklers”), shares thoughts on the seismic changes in tax law from the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how it will directly affect your 2019 tax return. In this video, she advises on the importance of taking “a look at how you can reduce your taxable income so you can realize some great benefits now available to tax payers [because] both on the personal side and the business side, it’s a whole new world.”
Key changes in tax law that will affect 2019 tax returns
Doubling of the standard deduction
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income and can be taken by you if you do not itemize. With the new tax laws though, the standard deduction is nearly doubling, making it harder for taxpayers to be able to itemize. A tax advisor can help figure out which one is best for you.
No more personal exemptions
Taxpayers will no longer be able to claim themselves, their spouses or their children. There are, however, new family tax credits that can help offset this and still get you deductions. It will take careful planning along with a tax advisor to figure out how to do this, such as whether or not to file jointly with a spouse. Also, state and local taxes will be limited to $10,000. It’s very crucial to plan in advance and look at ways to reduce your taxable income to fully realize the benefits now available for taxpayers. Working with a qualified tax advisor is the best way to develop a strategy for these new tax laws.
Mortgage interest deductions are decreasing
Mortgage interest deductions are decreasing from $1,000,000 to $750,000. Home equity loan interest is only available now when it’s used for certain purposes. A tax advisor can help you figure out how to do this. As Julie explains, “We don’t want to see any of our clients trip up and anticipate that deduction because they weren’t smart about it.”
Alimony and children’s account earnings are changing
Alimony payers will no longer be able to deduct alimony payments from their return and recipients will lose the ability to contribute alimony funds to an IRA because it is no longer considered earnings for them. Children’s account earnings will now be taxed at trust tax rates, which are very aggressive, especially once you reach over $12,500. A tax advisor can help you decide whether a penalty may actually work in your favor.
Introduction of the qualified business income deduction
The qualified business income deduction is newly available for business owners and is dependent on type of business and amount of taxable income shown on their return. In the Journal of Financial Planning, Julie advised, “this credit is subject to phaseouts based on taxable income. Any client with a business may be impacted, from the sole proprietor selling at home parties to the client who is a professional or owner of a startup.”
Taking the time to learn about these seismic changes in tax law with your tax advisor will help ensure you develop a solid strategy moving forward for your taxes in 2019. There are sunset provisions imbedded in these new laws so it’s very important to think ahead now to plan for your best future. For more information about Julie and her company, Phoenix Tax Consultants, visit https://taxtacklers.wpengine.com/ today!
How Seismic Changes In Tax Law Will Affect Your 2019 Tax Return
Last Updated: March 14, 2019 by Julie Brufke Wenger · Leave a Comment
As the end of the year approaches, so to does tax time and preparation for filing one’s tax return. Here, Julie Brufke Wenger, owner of Phoenix Tax Consultants (AKA “the tax tacklers”), shares thoughts on the seismic changes in tax law from the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and how it will directly affect your 2019 tax return. In this video, she advises on the importance of taking “a look at how you can reduce your taxable income so you can realize some great benefits now available to tax payers [because] both on the personal side and the business side, it’s a whole new world.”
Key changes in tax law that will affect 2019 tax returns
Doubling of the standard deduction
The standard deduction reduces your taxable income and can be taken by you if you do not itemize. With the new tax laws though, the standard deduction is nearly doubling, making it harder for taxpayers to be able to itemize. A tax advisor can help figure out which one is best for you.
No more personal exemptions
Taxpayers will no longer be able to claim themselves, their spouses or their children. There are, however, new family tax credits that can help offset this and still get you deductions. It will take careful planning along with a tax advisor to figure out how to do this, such as whether or not to file jointly with a spouse. Also, state and local taxes will be limited to $10,000. It’s very crucial to plan in advance and look at ways to reduce your taxable income to fully realize the benefits now available for taxpayers. Working with a qualified tax advisor is the best way to develop a strategy for these new tax laws.
Mortgage interest deductions are decreasing
Mortgage interest deductions are decreasing from $1,000,000 to $750,000. Home equity loan interest is only available now when it’s used for certain purposes. A tax advisor can help you figure out how to do this. As Julie explains, “We don’t want to see any of our clients trip up and anticipate that deduction because they weren’t smart about it.”
Alimony and children’s account earnings are changing
Alimony payers will no longer be able to deduct alimony payments from their return and recipients will lose the ability to contribute alimony funds to an IRA because it is no longer considered earnings for them. Children’s account earnings will now be taxed at trust tax rates, which are very aggressive, especially once you reach over $12,500. A tax advisor can help you decide whether a penalty may actually work in your favor.
Introduction of the qualified business income deduction
The qualified business income deduction is newly available for business owners and is dependent on type of business and amount of taxable income shown on their return. In the Journal of Financial Planning, Julie advised, “this credit is subject to phaseouts based on taxable income. Any client with a business may be impacted, from the sole proprietor selling at home parties to the client who is a professional or owner of a startup.”
Taking the time to learn about these seismic changes in tax law with your tax advisor will help ensure you develop a solid strategy moving forward for your taxes in 2019. There are sunset provisions imbedded in these new laws so it’s very important to think ahead now to plan for your best future. For more information about Julie and her company, Phoenix Tax Consultants, visit https://taxtacklers.wpengine.com/ today!
Why Phoenix Tax Is Best For Filing Your Tax Return
Last Updated: March 14, 2019 by Julie Brufke Wenger · Leave a Comment
Julie Brufke Wenger, owner of Phoenix Tax Consultants, has been working with clients in Phoenixville for over 25 years. Known as the “Tax Tacklers”, her company gets the job done under the premise of “we don’t just process – we plan.” As most taxpayers can attest, filing tax returns is typically an arduous and time-consuming endeavor and not one many look forward to but with tax professionals like Julie and her staff at Phoenix Tax Consultants, it doesn’t have to be that way. In this time of seismic tax changes under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law this past year, getting top rate tax counsel and advice is imperative to getting the best return possible.
In Julie’s own words, Phoenix Tax Consultants is here for “helping clients be strategic to get the best results when we do their tax returns.” How, you may ask? Read on to learn why Phoenix Tax is best for filing your tax return.
In the video above, Julie advises on the importance of speaking with a quality tax advisor before the end of the year to ensure you don’t miss out on opportunities that can significantly impact your overall tax return.
Call Phoenix Tax Consultants today to speak with a qualified tax expert to begin strategizing on how to minimize your taxes while maximizing your return.
Last Updated: January 8, 2020 by Tax Consultant · Leave a Comment
Fierce Finances for Females, A Success
Last Updated: January 8, 2020 by Tax Consultant · Leave a Comment
Women On the Move 2017 Sponsor
October 27, 2017 – Julia Brufke Wenger was a 2017 Sponsor for the Women on the Move Luncheon with Main Line Today Magazine. During the event Julia and her team met Tracy Davidson of NBC Philadelphia, the winners of the 2017 class of WOTM and luncheon guests for an inspirational afternoon.
Here is the recap video from the event:
Last Updated: January 10, 2020 by Tax Consultant · Leave a Comment
News Release: PTC Completes 10,000 Small Businesses-Greater Philadelphia Program
Philadelphia, August 10, 2017 – Julia Brufke Wenger, Owner of Phoenix Tax Consultants, LLC was among the ninth cohort of 29 graduates who recently completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses-Greater Philadephia program.
Julia Brufke Wenger, Chief Operating officer of Phoenix Tax Consultants has been a member of the Phoenixville business community and owned her practice since 1990. With over 1,500 clients, we are a respected member of the community. We are a full-service firm serving both individuals and small- business. Our accountants and CPAs are experts in federal, state, and local taxes. All clients receive additional planning to minimize taxes. But we don’t just process tax-· returns – we plan tax returns. That means our customers leave our office with more than just completed tax paperwork, they get tax strategies that help them maximize their financial outcomes.
Quote from Julie: ” This was an extraordinary opportunity to stand back, evaluate our strategies and operations as a firm and develop a plan to not only grow our company but develop processes and procedures that will benefit our clients and strengthen those relationships thorough stellar service now and in the future. Access to the Goldman Sachs Alumni network and the resources provided are a catalyst for growth and development taking our company to the next level. ”
The business leaders have spent 14 weeks – roughly 100 class hours – at the Community College of Philadelphia studying a business management curriculum designed by Babson College and delivered by Community College of Philadelphia faculty. The curriculum covered accounting, human resources, negotiation and marketing, among other topics. The program also included one-on-one business advising, accounting workshops and advice from Goldman Sachs professionals.
Applications for 10,000 Small Businesses are accepted on a rolling basis at Community College of Philadelphia, The program is open to business owners from across the Greater Philadelphia region. To learn more or to apply, visit https://www.10ksbapply.com
For more information on Phoenix Tax Consultants, LLC visit www.taxtacklers.com or call (610) 933-3507.
Phoenix Tax Consultants
Phoenix Tax Consultants LLC has over 30 years of local tax preparation, tax planning, and audit experience. Don't trust your return to anyone, go with the experts!
“Tax Tacklers” Blog
Julie on Money Matters