As the world increasingly embraces sustainable energy solutions, the popularity of solar panels has soared for both residential and commercial energy generation. Beyond the environmental benefits, solar energy offers a plethora of tax incentives , like the federal solar tax credit, that can significantly bolster the financial position of savvy individuals. 

You’ve spent the last few decades toiling away at your job or running your own business. You’ve provided for your family and possibly created jobs for others at the same time. And you have certainly been paying income taxes over that same time frame, probably ever since your dad got you that summer job that paid you the minimum wage.

As your retirement years come into focus, it’s a good bet that you’re looking forward to stepping away from the everyday grind of your family business or profession. Maybe you also believe that you will be walking away from paying Uncle Sam his share of your retirement income. That popular misconception is certainly not the case.

While retired Americans generally pay less in income taxes than other age groups because of a reduction in income, the tax burden can still be a significant line item in their budget.

Many different income streams in retirement, including Social Security benefits, are subject to federal and possibly state income taxes. This discussion, though, will focus on tax liabilities at the federal level. The amount of tax you will be required to pay is at least partly a function of how much income you will receive once you stop working. Let’s explore the primary sources of retirement income and what tax burden they carry.

If taxes confuse you, rest assured that you are not alone. We often hear common questions from our clients around RMDs, 529 Plans, rules around charitable gifts, and more. To help demystify these topics, Carnegie Investment Counsel will host a free webinar on Wednesday, February 23rd, at noon.

Speakers:

• A. Christine Bretz, CPA, CFDA of Singer, Berger, Press & Co.
• Bryan R. Blackburn, CFP® of Carnegie Investment Counsel

The Internal Revenue Service anticipates that more than 150 million tax returns will be filed this year. In a normal year, this is a colossal undertaking. But in a world still altered by a pandemic, it becomes a bit more complicated for all parties involved. We are here to help you navigate the process.

This year, tax time may be a little different. On March 17, 2021, the U.S. Treasury Department and the IRS announced that the federal income tax filing due date for individuals for the 2020 tax year would automatically be extended from April 15, 2021, to May 17, 2021. This postponement to May 17, 2021, of the federal tax filing deadline, only applies to individual federal income tax returns and tax payments otherwise due April 15, 2021. Also, note that this relief does not apply to estimated tax payments due on April 15, 2021.