Medicare is a vital program in the United States, providing health insurance coverage to millions of seniors and certain individuals with disabilities. To fund Medicare, various taxes are levied, including the Medicare tax. However, there’s an additional 0.9% Medicare tax that targets higher-income earners. Understanding who must pay this additional tax is crucial for both employees and employers alike.
Who is Subject to Additional Medicare Tax?
The Additional Medicare Tax is an extra tax that certain individuals must pay on top of the regular Medicare tax. This tax came into effect in 2013 as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to pay for free health services, such as vaccines, preventative care, health screenings, as well as some drug coverage costs. The tax applies to earned income, including wages, salaries, tips, and bonuses. It also applies to self-employment income railroad retirement (RRTA) compensation. However, RRTA compensation and wages are not combined to determine the Additional Medicare Tax. The key question then becomes: Who is subject to this additional tax?
Individuals with Higher Incomes
If you earn above a certain threshold from a single employer, you’re liable for the Additional Medicare Tax. As of 2024, the threshold remains the same as it was when the tax was introduced in 2013. For single filers, the threshold is $200,000, and for married couples filing jointly, it’s $250,000. For married couples filing separately, the threshold is $125,000. If your income exceeds these thresholds, you’re subject to the additional 0.9% tax.
How is the Additional Medicare Tax Withheld?
Employers play a crucial role in ensuring the correct withholding of the Additional Medicare Tax for their employees. When an employee’s wages reach $200,000 in a calendar year, the employer must withhold an additional 0.9% on all earnings above that threshold. However, this withholding is only applicable to Medicare wages. Medicare wages include total wages minus some benefit deductions, including insurance premiums, health savings account contributions, and dependent care FSA contributions. Employers will withhold regardless of your filing status and even if you won’t need to pay the additional Medicare tax during tax time.
Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying the entire Additional Medicare Tax themselves. This means they need to calculate and remit the tax on their own when filing their income tax return. For self-employed individuals, the threshold is based on their net self-employment income rather than gross income. Finally, taxpayers should note that the Additional Medicare Tax is not deductible.
Examples
Let’s say Spouse A earned $210,000 and Spouse B earned $20,000 in a year. Their joint income would be $230,000. While this amount does not meet the joint filing threshold of $250,000, Spouse A would still have the additional Medicare tax withheld once they’ve earned $200,000. Any additional taxes withheld are applied to their taxes when they file their return.
Now, let’s say Spouse A earned $180,000 and Spouse B earned $100,000. Their combined income of $280,000 is over the joint filing threshold. However, neither would get the chance to have the additional Medicare tax withheld. In this case, they would need to make estimated tax payments or request additional withholding from their employer on their Form W-4.
Importance of Compliance
It’s essential for both employees and employers to understand and comply with the regulations regarding the Additional Medicare Tax. Failure to withhold or pay the correct amount of tax can result in penalties and interest charges. Employers must ensure accurate payroll withholding, while self-employed individuals need to calculate and remit the tax correctly to avoid any issues with the IRS.
Tax Help for High-Income Earners
The Additional Medicare Tax is aimed at ensuring higher-income individuals contribute more to the Medicare program. It applies to both employees and self-employed individuals whose earnings exceed certain thresholds. Understanding who must pay this tax and how it’s calculated is crucial for complying with tax obligations and avoiding penalties. Employers and employees alike must ensure accurate withholding, while self-employed individuals should carefully calculate and remit the tax when filing their returns. Compliance with the Additional Medicare Tax regulations helps support the sustainability of the Medicare program for future generations. Optima Tax Relief has a team of dedicated and experienced tax professionals with proven track records of success who may be able to help with your state tax issues.
The IRS has resumed collections. If you recently received an IRS notice or owe back taxes, you could be at risk of a lien, levy, garnishment, or other means of tax collection. Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang provide helpful insight on what your IRS notice means, what you need to do to avoid penalties and interest and how to get compliant with the IRS.
In a move signaling a significant shift in fiscal policy, 14 states across the United States implemented cuts to individual income taxes in 2024. This development comes as states reassess their tax structures amid changing economic landscapes and evolving political priorities. Here’s a breakdown of the 14 states that cut their income tax rates in 2024.
Which States Cut Their Tax Rate?
The decision to reduce individual income taxes reflects a broader trend among state governments. They are aiming to stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and provide relief to taxpayers. The states undertaking these tax cuts span various regions, indicating a diverse range of approaches to fiscal policy.
Among the states implementing income tax cuts are Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, and South Carolina. For residents of these states, the impending tax cuts offer the prospect of increased disposable income and potentially bolstered economic activity.
Arkansas
Governor Sanders signed the latest Arkansas tax cut bill into law on September 14, 2023. It decreases the state’s highest income tax rate from 4.7% to 4.4%. This adjustment follows a prior reduction from 4.9% in April 2023. Arkansas taxpayers who earn over $87,000 will reap the benefits of this tax break. In addition, the corporate tax rate was reduced from 5.1% to 4.8% for those earning over $11,000.
Connecticut
On January 1, 2024, Connecticut implemented its first income tax rate reduction since the mid-1990s. Additionally, it was the largest cut in state history. The state’s progressive tax structure saw decreases in the two lowest rates. Single filers now pay 2% on the first $10,000 earned and 4.5% on the next $40,000, down from 3% and 5% respectively. Joint filers now pay 2% on the first $20,000 earned and 4.5% on the next $80,000, down from 3% and 5% respectively.
Georgia
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed HB 1437 into law on April 26, 2022. It replaced the state’s graduated personal income tax with a flat rate of 5.49% starting January 1, 2024. Subsequent gradual reductions will bring the flat rate down to 4.99% by January 1, 2029. However, these reductions may be postponed by one year for each year that specific budget conditions are not fulfilled.
Indiana
Indiana’s House Bill 1001 speeds up the state’s scheduled rate cuts by lowering the individual income tax rate from 3.15% to 3.05% in 2024. It also removes related tax triggers associated with state revenue increases. The bill outlines additional reductions to 3.0% in 2025, 2.95% in 2026, and 2.9% from 2027 onwards.
Iowa
Iowa’s tax relief efforts persist in 2024. Corporate taxpayers will face a contingent flat tax plan with rates of 5.5% on income below $100,000 and 7.1% on income exceeding $100,000. Individual taxpayers will see a gradual move towards a flat income tax rate of 3.9% by 2026, with the top marginal tax rate reaching 5.7% in 2024.
Kentucky
In February 2023, Kentucky passed House Bill 1. This bill lowers the state’s flat income tax rate from 4.5% to 4.0%, which took effect in 2024.
Mississippi
The state implemented a single rate for individual tax purposes on income surpassing $10,000. In 2024, this rate will decrease to 4.7% from the initial rate of 5% established in 2023. The rate is scheduled to decrease to 4.0% by 2026. Additionally, the franchise tax is slated to diminish to zero by 2028.
Missouri
In July 2023, Missouri Governor Parson signed Senate Bill 190, eliminating the income threshold for deductibility and effectively exempting Social Security payments from state income tax. Consequently, federal Social Security payments will not be taxed. Additionally, for 2024, the top individual income tax rate was reduced to 4.8%, down from 4.95%.
Montana
In 2021, Montana enacted Senate Bill 399, initiating changes to the state’s tax code effective in 2024. The law consolidated seven individual income tax brackets into two, lowering the top marginal rate from 6.75% to 6.5%. Additionally, in 2023, the legislature further reduced this rate to 5.9%. Montana will also implement lower tax rates for capital gains income, taxing them at either 3% or 4.1%.
Nebraska
Nebraska expedited previously planned reductions to both individual and corporate tax rates, lowering the top marginal tax rate earlier than initially projected. For corporations, the aim is to achieve a flat income tax rate of 3.99% by 2027. In 2024, the top marginal tax rate will decrease from 7.25% to 5.84% on income exceeding $100,000. Similarly, for individual taxpayers, the goal is to reach a top rate of 3.99% by 2027. However, in 2024, this rate will be 5.84%, achieved three years ahead of schedule.
New Hampshire
Through S.B. 189, New Hampshire lawmakers have disconnected the state’s tax code from the federal business net interest limitation under IRC § 163(j), enabling businesses to fully deduct interest expenses in the year incurred. Additionally, taxpayers can now deduct any previously disallowed business interest expenses carryforwards over three years. The state’s budget (H.B. 2), enacted in June 2023, hastens the phaseout of the tax on interest and dividends income, now slated for elimination in 2025 instead of 2027. In 2024, the rate will be reduced to 3%, down from 4%.
North Carolina
The state’s budget, Session Law 2023-134, sets the individual income tax rate at 4.5% for 2024, down from 4.75%. Further reductions in subsequent years are dependent on meeting revenue targets.
Ohio
Ohio’s biennial budget, signed in July 2023, merges the top two marginal tax rates for individual income into a single rate of 3.5%, reduced from 3.75% in 2023.
South Carolina
In recent years, South Carolina has lowered personal income tax rates from 7% in 2022 to 6.5% in 2023. It reduced its top individual income tax rate to 6.4% in 2024. Further, the state aims to decrease the tax by .1% each year until it is 6%. However, this will be contingent upon revenue triggers.
Implications of State Income Tax Cuts
While the implementation of income tax cuts is poised to deliver tangible benefits to residents and businesses in these states, it also raises pertinent questions about revenue implications and budgetary trade-offs. Policymakers must navigate these challenges adeptly to ensure that tax cuts are sustainable and do not compromise essential public services or fiscal stability. For instance, in 2012, Kansas cut income tax rates by nearly a third and almost eliminated business taxes hoping for a rejuvenated economy. Unfortunately, this resulted in the need to cut some social services and the cuts were eventually reversed.
Moreover, the efficacy of income tax cuts in stimulating economic growth and generating long-term prosperity remains a subject of debate among economists and policymakers. While proponents argue that lower taxes incentivize work, investment, and entrepreneurship, skeptics caution against potential revenue shortfalls and widening income inequality.
State Tax Help for Taxpayers
The 14 states that cut their income tax rates in 2024 signal a significant development in state fiscal policy, with implications for residents, businesses, and policymakers alike. As these states embark on their respective tax relief efforts, the outcomes will be closely scrutinized, offering valuable insights into the interplay between taxation, economic growth, and public welfare in the United States. Optima Tax Relief has a team of dedicated and experienced tax professionals with proven track records of success who may be able to help with your state tax issues. You can contact one of our tax professionals to see if they can help in your state.
Hoping for the Child Tax Credit? Don’t Wait to File
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that has the potential to grant families significant tax benefits. The aim is to strengthen tax breaks, offering substantial financial support to American households and leading to significant savings. Among the many items addressed in the bill is the expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), a tax benefit designed to assist families with the cost of raising children. In this article, we’ll review the details of the CTC expansion and the next steps needed to pass the bill.
Tax season is in full swing. With several filing options and a potentially larger Child Tax Credit to claim, there’s a lot to know before you file. Optima CEO David King and Lead Tax Attorney Philip Hwang provide a comprehensive guide for the 2024 tax filing season and show you how you can get the most when filing your tax return.
Sometimes after a loved one dies, we must deal with grief, funeral planning, and an estate. In some cases, we inherit assets from a deceased loved one. Unfortunately, not much in this life comes for free, and even the things we inherit can cost us. In this article, we will take a closer look at estate and inheritance taxes, including who is affected by them and how they work.
Navigating the complexities of taxes can be challenging for anyone. When it comes to families with children, there are additional considerations to be aware of. One such consideration is the IRS Kiddie Tax. This set of rules is specifically aimed at taxing unearned income of certain children at their parent’s tax rate. Understanding how the Kiddie Tax works is crucial for parents to effectively manage their tax liabilities. Let’s delve deeper into what the Kiddie Tax entails and how it might affect your family’s tax situation.
They say that death and taxes are the only two certainties in life. However, taxes are only collectible for so long. The IRS Collection Statute of Limitations is a critical aspect of tax law that often confuses taxpayers and professionals alike. This statute dictates the timeframe within which the IRS can collect unpaid taxes. While it offers protection to taxpayers, navigating its complexities requires a nuanced understanding. Let’s delve into what the IRS Collection Statute of Limitations entails and its implications for taxpayers.
What is the IRS Collection Statute of Limitations?
The IRS Collection Statute of Limitations is outlined in Section 6502 of the Internal Revenue Code. It establishes the timeframe during which the IRS can pursue the collection of unpaid taxes. Generally, the statute allows the IRS ten years from the date of assessment to collect the owed taxes.
How Long is the IRS Collection Statute of Limitations?
The IRS has a 10-year statute of limitations for tax collections, beginning when the IRS first assesses your tax liabilities. In other words, the IRS cannot collect tax debt that is older than 10 years. You should keep in mind that the first IRS notice you receive is not necessarily when your liabilities are assessed. Specifically, there is a Collection Statute Expiration Date (CSED), which marks the last day the IRS can collect tax debt. After the CSED, the IRS cannot legally collect your tax debt, which means that your tax debt essentially disappears.
If you want to find your CSED, you can count 10 years from the date on your Notice of Federal Tax Lien. You can also request a transcript of your IRS account to find the date your liability was assessed and filed. However, keep in mind that there are several actions that can delay the statute of limitations, thus pushing out your CSED.
Which Actions Extend a CSED?
There are several qualifying events that can extend a CSED, including the following.
Filing for Bankruptcy
When an individual files for bankruptcy, the Collection Statute of Limitations is typically tolled, meaning it is paused or suspended for the duration of the bankruptcy proceedings. The IRS will pause the statute of limitations while your bankruptcy filing is pending, starting from the filing date until the court decides. The CSED will remain suspended for an additional six months.
Living Abroad
Living abroad can also have implications for the Collection Statute Expiration Date. The IRS will pause the statute of limitations while you live abroad for six consecutive months or longer. The CSED could remain suspended for six months after you return to the United States.
Requesting an IRS Installment Agreement
The IRS will pause the statute of limitations while it reviews your installment agreement application. If the agreement is rejected, the CSED will remain suspended for 30 more days. This is also the case if your installment agreement defaults. If you appeal your rejection, the CSED will remain suspended until a decision is final.
Submitting an Offer in Compromise
When you submit an Offer in Compromise (OIC) to the IRS, the CSED is typically tolled or suspended for the duration of the consideration period, which can last several months or even longer. Once a decision is made, the suspension ends. If your offer is rejected, your CSED will remain suspended for 30 more days.
Requesting Innocent Spouse Relief
When a taxpayer requests Innocent Spouse Relief, the CSED is typically tolled or suspended for the duration of the IRS’s consideration of the innocent spouse claim. However, the suspension will only apply to the spouse applying for relief. The IRS will extend the CSED until you either receive a waiver or the 90-day petition expires, whichever happens first. If you appeal the tax court decision, the statute of limitations will be suspended until a final decision is made. In any of the above case, the IRS will also extend the CSED an additional 60 days.
Requesting a Collection Due Process (CDP) Hearing
When a taxpayer requests a CDP hearing, the IRS generally suspends the CSED. The IRS will pause the statute of limitations while it reviews your request to stop a levy or remove a lien until a determination is made or until you withdraw your request. Additionally, if there are less than 90 days left in collections when a final decision is made, the IRS will extend the CSED 90 more days.
Military Deferment
A military deferment can also have implications for the Collection Statute Expiration Date. The IRS will pause the statute of limitations during military service and for an additional 270 days afterward. If you serve in a combat zone the CSED will be suspended for up to 180 days after military service.
Being Sued By the IRS
While this event rarely happens, the IRS will pause the statute of limitations during the court proceedings.
Can I Ignore My Tax Debt Until the IRS Collection Statute Expires?
You might be enticed to just wait out the IRS collection statute of limitations. However, this strategy is generally not recommended since it would mean ignoring your growing tax bill and IRS notices. Under these circumstances, simple actions like getting a job, purchasing a home, registering a vehicle, and operating a business would be very difficult. Working with the IRS will typically be your best option, but doing so alone can be tedious, intimidating, and stressful. Working with a credible and experienced tax relief company can help save time, money, and stress. Optima Tax Relief has over a decade of experience helping taxpayers get back on track with their tax debt.
