Tax
Understanding tax strategies and managing your tax bill should be part of any sound financial approach. Some taxes can be deferred, and others can be managed through tax-efficient investing. With careful and consistent preparation, you may be able to manage the impact of taxes on your financial efforts.
Important Tax NumbersThere are lots of important numbers that Clear Skies Planning & Wealth keeps in mind. In some cases, the numbers are annual limits that change each year. Other times, the figures do not often change, but are used by many of our clients. Given the variety of sources that report relevant numbers, it can be difficult to quickly find the right figure(s) you are looking for.
As a result, our team utilizes this two-page “Important Numbers” summary guide. This quick reference guide covers the most important annual limits as well as figures that are commonly referred to during the year. It includes:
- Tax rates for MFJ, Single, and Estates/Trusts
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) annual limits
- Long-Term capital Gains (LTCG) rates for Married Filing Jointly (MFJ), Single, and Estates/Trusts
- Standard deductions for MFJ and Single
- Social Security annual limits (including earning limits)
- Full Retirement Age chart
- Social Security taxation summary for MFJ and Single
- IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount) surcharges for Medicare payments
- Retirement plan annual limits
- Traditional and Roth IRA annual limits
- Education tax credits
- Uniform Lifetime Table (abbreviated version)
- Single Lifetime Table (abbreviated version)
- Estate and gift tax annual limits
- Health Savings Account (HSA) annual limits
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
The Facts About Income Tax
What's My 2026 Tax Bracket?
How to Make the Tax Code Work for You
Filing Final Tax Returns for the Deceased
The federal government requires deceased individuals to file a final income tax return.
Red Flags for Tax Auditors
Here are six flags that may make your tax return prime for an IRS audit.
How to Appeal Your Property Taxes
For homeowners who think their property taxes are too high, there are ways to appeal.
What Is a 1035 Exchange?
1035 exchanges provide a way to trade-in an annuity contract or life insurance policy without triggering a tax liability.
How to Make the Tax Code Work for You
When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work for you.
You May Need to Make Estimated Tax Payments If…
Have income that isn’t subject to tax withholding? Or insufficient withholdings? You may have to pay estimated taxes.
View all articles
Capital Gains Tax Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate your capital gains tax.
Federal Income Tax
Use this calculator to estimate your income tax liability along with average and marginal tax rates.
Tax Freedom Day
Assess how many days you'll work to pay your federal tax liability.
Comparing Investments
This calculator compares the net gain of a taxable investment versus a tax-favored one.
Social Security Taxes
Estimate how much of your Social Security benefit may be considered taxable.
Home Mortgage Deduction
Use this calculator to assess the potential benefits of a home mortgage deduction.
View all calculators
Making Your Tax Bracket Work
Have you explored all your options when it comes to managing your taxable income?
The Facts About Income Tax
Millions faithfully file their 1040 forms each April. But some things about federal income taxes may surprise you.