Why It's Important to Review Your Tax Strategy Every Year

Why It's Important to Review Your Tax Strategy Every Year?

Review your tax strategy every year to maximise deductions, stay updated with tax laws, and avoid missing out on tax-saving opportunities.

 

Tax planning is an ongoing process, and each year brings new opportunities and challenges that could affect your overall tax strategy. Many people make the mistake of thinking that tax planning is only for those who are self-employed or own a business, but that is far from true. Regardless of your employment status, reviewing your tax strategy yearly is essential to ensure you’re making the most of available deductions, credits, and income tax e-filing options. 

In this blog, we will explore why it’s important to review your tax strategy annually, how to calculate income tax, and the steps you can take to stay ahead.

Key Takeaways

  1. Reviewing your tax strategy every year ensures that you're up-to-date with any changes in tax laws and policies.

  2. Major life events can significantly impact your tax strategy, making it necessary to review your plan.

  3. Taking advantage of deductions and credits can reduce your taxable income, but these opportunities change yearly.

  4. Reviewing your investments annually helps minimise capital gains taxes and optimise your portfolio.

  5. E-filing options streamline the tax process, helping you avoid errors and maximising deductions and credits.

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The Importance of Reviewing Your Tax Strategy Every Year

Let us look at why it is important to review the tax strategy regularly. 

  1. Changing Tax Laws: Tax laws are constantly evolving, with new policies introduced by the government every year. Reviewing your tax strategy ensures you are up-to-date with any recent tax changes, such as new deductions, credits, or tax brackets. For example, if there’s a change in the standard deduction or a new tax credit, you may be eligible for more savings. A proactive review will help you take full advantage of these changes before filing your taxes.

  2. Life Events Affect Tax Planning: Major life events such as marriage, having children, buying a home, or retirement significantly impact your tax situation. These events can open up new tax-saving opportunities or require adjustments to your strategy. For instance, having a child may make you eligible for new deductions or credits. Reviewing your tax strategy after any significant life change allows you to adjust your plan accordingly and avoid missing potential tax savings.

  3. Tax Deductions and Credits May Change: Tax deductions and credits evolve every year, so it’s essential to know which ones apply to you. Some credits are nonrefundable, and some are refundable, meaning that they can either reduce your tax liability or give you a refund. Keeping track of these changes can ensure you’re not leaving money on the table. For example, you may become eligible for credits like the Child Tax Credit or credits related to education and energy-efficient home improvements. Yearly reviews ensure that you’re optimising every available deduction and credit.

  4. Investment Changes and Tax Implications: Investment strategies and the income they generate can impact your overall tax liability. Capital gains taxes, interest income, and dividends are all subject to different tax rates. A review of your tax strategy each year allows you to determine how your investments are affecting your taxes and if any adjustments should be made to minimise your tax burden. For example, selling investments at a gain may trigger a higher tax rate. On the other hand, losses can offset some of these gains, lowering your taxable income.

  5. Income Tax E-filing Options: Every year, e-filing options become more efficient, secure, and accessible. With the advent of advanced tax preparation software, the e-filing process allows taxpayers to file their taxes with ease. Reviewing your tax strategy annually gives you the opportunity to leverage these e-filing options for a quicker and easier filing process. This may also help reduce the chances of errors and maximise your return through the correct application of deductions and credits.

  6. Adjust Withholdings and Estimated Payments: Taxpayers often have money withheld from their paycheck by their employer, or they may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. If your situation changes, it’s essential to revisit your withholdings to ensure you’re not overpaying or underpaying throughout the year. Adjusting your withholdings or making estimated payments can help you avoid penalties or a hefty tax bill at the end of the year.
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Did You Know?

Failing to review your tax strategy yearly can lead to missed opportunities for tax-saving deductions and credits. You might also risk paying more taxes than necessary.

 

How to Calculate Income Tax?

To ensure you're accurately calculating your income tax, you need to start with your total income, which includes wages, interest, dividends, and any other income sources. Then, subtract any deductions you're eligible for, such as student loan interest or medical expenses. This will give you your taxable income. From there, you apply the appropriate tax rate based on your filing status and tax bracket. Understanding this basic process ensures that you know how to calculate income tax and can spot opportunities to reduce your liability.

Wrapping Up

By understanding the importance of regular tax strategy reviews, you position yourself to optimise your tax situation each year. Whether it's through income tax e-filing or keeping track of life changes, staying proactive can help you save money and avoid penalties down the line. So, make it a point to schedule an annual review with a tax professional or use reliable tax software to stay ahead.

Glossary

  1. Income Tax E-Filing: The process of electronically submitting your tax return to the tax authorities.
  2. Tax Deduction: An expense that reduces taxable income, thus lowering the overall tax liability.
  3. Tax Credit: A dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax owed, which is more beneficial than a tax deduction.
  4. Withholding: The amount of tax your employer deducts from your paycheck.
  5. Tax Bracket: A range of income that is taxed at a specific rate.
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FAQs

 

Ideally, you should review your tax strategy at least once a year, but consider reviewing it more often if major life changes occur, such as marriage, buying a home, or starting a business.

 

The best way to reduce tax liability includes maximizing deductions, utilizing tax credits, and adjusting your withholding or estimated payments based on your income.

 

Use IRS-approved e-filing software or work with a certified tax professional to ensure accuracy and security when submitting your tax return electronically.

 

You can update your withholding by submitting a new W-4 form to your employer. This ensures that the correct amount is deducted from your paycheck.

Disclaimer - This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Canara HSBC Life Insurance Company Limited or any affiliated entity. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. You should consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific circumstances before taking any action based on the content provided herein.

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