A Complete Guide to Tax Strategies

Many Americans are short on cash. Approximately 40% of people can’t afford a $400 emergency expense. Many tax bills surpass this threshold and can strain finances.

Everyone has to pay taxes, but using the right tax strategies can lower your bill. You can save hundreds of dollars by capitalizing on tax options.

These extra savings can help with emergency expenses and get invested for future gains. We’ll share some strategies to save money when filing taxes.

Invest Wisely

Investing wisely goes beyond picking individual stocks or deciding which property to purchase. The way you invest impacts your taxes.

Every investor should aim for long-term capital gains. These gains get taxed at a lower rate than short-term capital gains.

Short-term capital gains are proceeds from positions you sell within 365 days of acquiring them. A day trader always produces short-term capital gains since they never hold onto positions for long.

Long-term capital gains are proceeds from positions you sell after 365 days of acquiring them. If you’ve held onto a stock for several years before selling, it’s a long-term gain.

Short-term capital gains get taxed based on your income bracket. Long-term gains get special treatment.

Capital gains only scratch the surface. We’ll cover one more strategy for investors, but you can also listen now to the WealthAbility Show for additional insights.

You can also sell some assets at a loss before the year ends. These losses reduce your capital gains, making your tax bill more affordable. Some investors generate a net loss, helping them lower their taxes.

Investors can repurchase the same shares after 30 days to keep the net losses for taxing purposes. Buying shares too early will trigger the wash sale rule, negating your losses for taxing purposes.

Start a Business to Unlock More Tax Strategies

A business provides an extra source of income. Some people make enough money to transition to their businesses fully. Businesses open up many opportunities, including tax savings.

Business owners get more deductions such as business travel, internet and phone, the home office, and more. Business owners have more choices to save on taxes.

You don’t have to get out of your full-time job to reap these tax benefits. You can treat your business like a side hustle and start saving on taxes. If you line your business up with a hobby, you can save on expenses that were once personal.

Claim Tax Credits and Deductions

Tax credits and deductions lower your final bill. Keeping track of expenses throughout the year will help you find deductions.

A tax professional can guide you on tax credits that apply to you. The government has many programs to help taxpayers make it through tax season.

Use Available Tax Solutions to Trim Your Bill

These tax strategies can help reduce your bill. Saving a few hundred dollars goes a long way. Some people save thousands of dollars with these strategies.

Want to learn more about saving money? Continue reading this blog for additional insights and resources.