Tax Law Changes Beginning in 2013

Taxes Blog - JLFranklin Wealth Planning

The arrival of 2013 brings new tax rules. If you have AGI above $250,000 ($200,000 for singles) you’re among the wealthiest Americans, and the items below will likely affect you.

  • A 3.8% Medicare surtax on net investment income, including interest, dividends, capital gains, royalties and passive rental income. Tax-free interest is exempted.
  • A 0.9% Medicare surtax on earned income, such as wages and self-employment income.
  • For those with taxable income over $450,000 ($400,000 if single), the top tax bracket is now 39.6% (up from 35%), and dividends and long-term capital gains will now be taxed at 20% (up from 15%).

Other tax changes effective beginning this year include:

  • The annual gift tax exclusion is now $14,000. Couples can give $28,000 in annual gifts to an individual without paying any gift taxes or filing gift tax returns.
  • The estate and gift tax exemption for 2013 is now $5,250,000. The tax jumps to 40%.
  • You may contribute up to $17,500 to a 401(k) account ($23,000 if you’re over age 50).
  • You may contribute up to $51,000 if you have a defined contribution plan, such as a SEP-IRA or profit sharing plan.
  • The 2013 contribution limit for IRAs and Roth IRAs is $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re over age 50).
  • Flexible spending accounts, in which you can use pre-tax dollars to pay for medical expenses, are now limited to $2,500 (down from $5,000).