Money Report: The Financial Future

Money Report

steven_mugThis past year turned out to be a year marked and paced by the political process, beginning with hotly contested primaries, two emotional conventions, three cliffhanger debates, and now, the aftermath of the election and a lame duck Congress.  Once again, the United States has proven a shining example to the world of how the democratic process works, even in a sharply divided nation.  Over the last eleven months financial markets have had to contend with the infamous Facebook IPO, weather-related market closings, the East Coast economy savaged by Superstorm Sandy, the Fed’s “Operation Twist” and “QE3,” multiple flareups of the European debt crisis, and a generational changeover of leadership in China. We reveled in a strong market rally from January until May, suffered through a summer slump, saw gains return through the end of October, only to retreat in November.  The real estate market, so far a no show in the recovery, finally began to show signs of life.  2012 has been in turn a challenging, maddening, frustrating deflating, turbulent and triumphant year. Now, with 2013 just over the horizon, here are a few things to prepare for, and some things to attend to, before the year ends.

The IRS allows investors in stocks, bonds and mutual funds to offset gains against losses in their portfolios. This only applies to your investments held in taxable accounts; not IRAs or 401(k)s. Additionally, gains and losses must be realized, that is to say, they must be the result of a sale, buyout or takeover. If the investment is held for one year or less, it is considered a short-term gain or loss, and is taxed at the same rate as other ordinary income, between 10 and 35 percent.  If you have held the investment for longer than one year, it is considered a long-term gain or loss. You’ll pay no tax if your total income places you in the 10 to 15 percent tax bracket. If you are in a higher tax bracket, the gain is taxed at 15 percent, no matter what your tax rate. Exercise caution; these tax treatments are very likely to change in 2013, and capital gains tax may increase.

The lion’s share of charitable donations are made between now and Dec. 31.  Remember, in order to take a tax break you must itemize deductions, the organization must be a legitimate nonprofit, and you must have a record of the donation. For contributions of less than $250 you can use a returned check; otherwise you will need documentation from the charity. Non-cash donations of items valued over $5,000 require an appraisal, as well as a signature from the charity on your tax return.

Appreciated stocks or funds provide an excellent strategy to fulfill your charitable intent, and save on taxes as well. When calculating the charitable deduction on a securities gift, you can deduct the market value of the stock,without reference to your cost. So you’ll get the full deduction and avoid paying capital gains tax on your profit. It’s relatively easy to make this type of contribution if your shares are held at a brokerage firm; you’ll need to get specific transfer instructions from the charity and convey them to your advisor.  Be sure to get started now so you won’t miss the Dec. 31 deadline.

Speaking of deadlines, if you make a pledge this year but don’t actually make the donation until 2013, you can’t take the deduction in 2012. However, you can use your credit card to make a contribution in 2012 and get credit for it in 2012, even though you won’t get your bill until next year.

Make sure your favored charities are spending your money the right way. Unfortunately, natural disasters, such as the storm which devastated the East Coast, bring out all types of bogus charities and fundraisers looking to profit from other’s misfortune. Steer clear of middlemen hired by charities to act as fundraisers and deal directly with the charity.  Use online resources such as CharityNavigator.org and CharityWatch.org. to get detailed information and rankings on an organization’s efficiency.

While next year’s tax policy is still up in the air, we do know the contribution limit for 401(k) and 403(b) plans will increase to $17,500 in 2013, with the additional catch up contribution for those age fifty and older remaining at $5,500. IRA contributions will increase to $5,500 in 2013; the additional catch up contribution remains at $1,000. IRA and Roth deductibility limits for those covered by a retirement plan at work have also been raised.

In 2013 high income taxpayers will have to deal with a .9 percent Medicare tax surcharge on the employee’s portion of earned income. This applies to the extent earned income exceeds $200,000 for a single taxpayer, or $250,000 for a married couple. There will also be a Medicare related 3.8 percent surcharge on investment income, including interest, dividends and capital gains. This surcharge will apply to the lesser of net investment income, or the amount that total income exceeds $200,000 for individuals, and $250,000 for couples

In closing, all of us at The Bedminster Group want to wish all of our readers a very happy holiday season and a peaceful and profitable new year.

Steven Weber, Gloria Harris, and Frank Weber are the investment and client services team for The Bedminster Group, providing investment management, estate, and financial planning services. The information contained herein was obtained from sources considered reliable. Their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The opinions expressed are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those from any other source.