- scottmccord4
How The New Administration Could Affect Your Retirement
By Scott McCord, AAMS®, BFA™
No matter the political party, every new presidential administration comes in with grand plans to change policies, better the nation, and ultimately do what they think is best for the American people. Wherever you fall on the political continuum, a changeover in administration in the White House will likely have at least some impact on your personal finances. This can create uncertainty or even fear in many of us.
As with any milestone or new life event, a change in our country’s leadership is a good time to reevaluate your financial plan to make sure it takes tax climate and government policies into account. Here are some potential changes to consider.
Social Security Reform
Social Security trust funds have been running a surplus since 1982. Right now, the surpluses are predicted to stop in 2020 and the system will rely on incoming interest payments to make up the deficit until 2033. (1) At that point, if no changes are made, benefit payments may shrink to 80% of what Americans expect. (2) If you’ve been following this story and are confused about the 2033 date, you didn’t read that incorrectly. Previous estimates were that the trust fund would be depleted by 2035, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic struggles, the timeline has been pushed up 2 years. That’s not good news if you’re planning to retire soon.
President Biden has proposed several key changes intended to address the general issue of long-term Social Security solvency while also making benefits available to certain populations. Biden has proposed to increase Social Security benefits to 125% of the federal poverty level, increase benefits for Americans who have been receiving payments for 20 years or more, and pay greater benefit amounts to widows and widowers. (3) The President has proposed to fund the expansions, in part, by imposing higher Social Security tax rates on earnings between $400,000 and $600,000. (4) Another option that could improve funding prospects for 75 years is to raise the payroll tax 1.2% for everyone—that includes both employees and employers.
Estate Tax Law Changes
The Biden plan includes changes to the taxation of intergenerational gifts and estates. The plan could include a repeal of the “step-up in basis” that currently allows heirs to legally avoid paying tax on capital gains prior to the transfer of assets. In addition, the maximum long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax rate could increase from its current 20% to a new cap of 39.6%. The lifetime Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT) exclusion, currently set at $11.7 million for 2021, is already scheduled to sunset in 2026, resulting in the imposition of estate taxes on estates exceeding $5.8 million. Additional proposed legislation could further reduce the exemption to $3.5 million, the limit in 2009. (5)
Changes To 401(k) Plans
The Biden administration has reportedly proposed to change the way contributions to a 401(k) plan affect tax liability. The plan would replace the traditional tax deferral with a flat 26% tax credit. The change would have the effect of equalizing tax deductions between income brackets. Since lower earners are taxed at lower rates, tax deferrals under the current structure results in greater current-year tax savings for high-income earners. The Biden plan would also create “automatic 401(k)” accounts, designed to offer the benefits of a 401(k) plan to individuals who are not offered retirement plans through their jobs. (6)
Reinstating The Pease Limitation
An additional provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) could be rolled back: the repeal of the Pease Limitation, which was first introduced in 1991 and has since been repealed and reintroduced twice. The Pease limit began to incrementally reduce the tax deduction value by 3% on certain itemized deductions for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeded specific thresholds (which changed each year). In 2017, the last year before the recent repeal, the AGI limit was $261,500 for single filers. If the Pease limit were reinstated, high earners would lose the tax saving benefit of commonly itemized deductions.
What Does This Mean For You?
You might be thinking, “Okay, cut to the chase, how does this affect me and my retirement?” Well, if you haven’t reviewed your financial plan recently, now is the time to reevaluate. Anthem Financial is here to help. Let’s discuss the big picture and make sure your strategy is aligned with the tax law changes we may be seeing over the next several years so you can maximize your wealth and minimize your tax liability. Schedule a free introductory meeting online or reach out to us at scott@anthem-financial.com or 309-214-0152 with questions or to get started.
About Scott
Scott McCord is founder and Investment Advisor Representative at Anthem Financial, providing values-based financial advice as a fiduciary. With over 20 years of experience in the financial industry, Scott focuses on building long-term relationships with his clients so he can understand their unique values and guide them through the ups and downs of their financial lives, keeping them focused on their short-term and long-term financial goals. Scott has a bachelor’s degree in business management and accounting and holds the Behavioral Financial Advisor™ (BFA™) and Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS®) certifications, Series 66 licenses, as well as life, health, and disability income insurance licenses. Scott is married to his intellectual and spiritual ally, Heather, and together they have two beautiful children, their daughter, Meyer, and their son, Grady. When Scott is not focusing on his clients and family, he volunteers his time on the Peoria Public Schools Foundation board, Impact Peoria board, and Rotary of Downtown Peoria board. To learn more about Scott, connect with him on LinkedIn.
Investment Advisor Representative of and advisory services are offered through Independent Wealth Network, Inc. a Registered Investment Advisor. Anthem Financial is not affiliated with Independent Wealth Network, Inc.
This newsletter contains general information that may not be suitable for everyone. The information contained herein should not be construed as personalized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee that the views and opinions expressed in this newsletter will come to pass. Investing in the stock market involves gains and losses and may not be suitable for all investors. Information presented herein is subject to change without notice and should not be considered as a solicitation to buy or sell any security.
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(3) https://joebiden.com/older-americans/
(4) https://www.wealthmanagement.com/high-net-worth/guide-potential-tax-law-changes-under-biden
(5) https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/the-new-administration-brings-several-7260938/
(6) https://www.myvaluestocks.com/biden-401k/