Tax, Audit, Firm and Regulatory News

Today’s Small Business Tax Topic (January 30, 2019)

Many tax-related limits affecting businesses increase for 2019


A variety of tax-related limits affecting businesses are annually indexed for inflation, and many have gone up for 2019. Here’s a look at some that may affect you and your business.

Deductions

  • Section 179 expensing:
    • Limit: $1.02 million (up from $1 million)
    • Phaseout: $2.55 million (up from $2.5 million)
  • Income-based phase-ins for certain limits on the Sec. 199A qualified business income deduction:
    • Married filing jointly: $321,400-$421,400 (up from $315,000-$415,000)
    • Married filing separately: $160,725-$210,725 (up from $157,500-$207,500)
    • Other filers: $160,700-$210,700 (up from $157,500-$207,500)

Retirement plans

  • Employee contributions to 401(k) plans: $19,000 (up from $18,500)
  • Catch-up contributions to 401(k) plans: $6,000 (no change)
  • Employee contributions to SIMPLEs: $13,000 (up from $12,500)
  • Catch-up contributions to SIMPLEs: $3,000 (no change)
  • Combined employer/employee contributions to defined contribution plans (not including catch-ups): $56,000 (up from $55,000)
  • Maximum compensation used to determine contributions: $280,000 (up from $275,000)
  • Annual benefit for defined benefit plans: $225,000 (up from $220,000)
  • Compensation defining “highly compensated employee”: $125,000 (up from $120,000)
  • Compensation defining “key employee”: $180,000 (up from $175,000)

Other employee benefits

  • Qualified transportation fringe-benefits employee income exclusion: $265 per month (up from $260)
  • Health Savings Account contributions:
    • Individual coverage: $3,500 (up from $3,450)
    • Family coverage: $7,000 (up from $6,900)
    • Catch-up contribution: $1,000 (no change)
  • Flexible Spending Account contributions:
    • Health care: $2,700 (up from $2,650)
    • Dependent care: $5,000 (no change)

Additional rules apply to these limits, and they are only some of the limits that may affect your business. Please contact us for more information.

 

© 2019

Related News Posts

Understanding the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act

Understanding the Illinois Gives Tax Credit Act

Illinois Gives offers an opportunity to support long-term charitable endowments benefiting Illinois communities while receiving a state income tax credit. Illinois Gives contributions should be evaluated in the context of broader federal charitable planning, given that the Illinois credit both reduces Illinois income tax liability and, under federal quid pro quo rules, reduces the amount of the federal charitable deduction.

read more
Gifting Strategies: Why The Annual Gift Tax Exclusion Matters

Gifting Strategies: Why The Annual Gift Tax Exclusion Matters

When we talk about gifting as part of a tax strategy, many people assume it’s something only the ultra-wealthy need to worry about. But gifting is actually one of the simplest and most powerful financial planning tools available – and a thoughtful gifting strategy can make a meaningful difference for your family, both now and in the long run.

read more
Why estate taxes aren’t the only inheritance-related costs to consider

Why estate taxes aren’t the only inheritance-related costs to consider

Estate planning discussions often focus on the federal estate tax exemption, but most families face different challenges when transferring wealth. Probate fees, state-level taxes, capital gains exposure, and administrative complexity can all erode inheritances – even for estates well below the federal threshold. A comprehensive estate plan addresses these hidden costs, not just headline tax numbers.

read more