Because tax rates, deductions, and phaseouts are constantly changing, timing of income and expenses is critical. For most taxpayers, the general rule is to defer income and accelerate deductions.

You are allowed to take the standard deduction (see chart below) or itemize your deductions on your tax return, whichever benefits you the most. If you itemize, keep complete and accurate records that reflect every dollar going toward nonbusiness state income tax, property taxes, interest expenses, medical expenses, and charitable contributions. Bear in mind that numerous deductions may increase your AMT liability, so consult with us throughout the year to monitor your income and plan your deductions.

Some itemized deductions, such as medical expenses, are subject to "floor" amounts. Only amounts that exceed the given floor can be deducted.

Try "bunching" your expenses to make sure you exceed the deduction "floor." Bunching two year's worth of expenses into one year enables you to increase your total deductions over the two-year period and avoid losing the tax benefit from your deductions.

Pease Limitation

The American Taxpayer Relief Act re-introduced the Pease limitation on itemized deductions for certain high-income earners. However, the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 suspends the Pease limit on itemized deductions for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026.