Paramount Tax Blog

Latest news from Paramount Tax

How does the 2018 Tax Plan Affect You?

On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It cuts the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent beginning in 2019. The top individual tax rate will drop to 37 percent. It cuts income tax rates, doubles the standard deduction, and eliminates personal exemptions. The corporate cuts are permanent, while the individual changes expire at the end of 2025.

Wondering how this affects you personally or your business? Here's a summary of how the Act changes income taxes, deductions for child and elder care, and business taxes.




Income Tax Rate

The Act keeps the seven income tax brackets but lowers tax rates. Employees will see changes reflected in their withholding in February 2019 paychecks. These rates revert to the 2017 rates in 2026.

The Act creates the following chart. The income levels will rise each year with inflation. But they will rise more slowly than in the past because the Act uses the chained consumer price index. Over time, that will move more people into higher tax brackets.


Income Tax RateIncome Levels for Those Filing As:
20172018-2025 SingleMarried-Joint
10%10%$0-$9,525$0-$19,050
15%12%$9,525-$38,700$19,050-$77,400
25%22%$38,700-$82,500 $77,400-$165,000
28%24%$82,500-$157,500$165,000-$315,000
33%32%$157,500-$200,000 $315,000-$400,000 
33%-35% 35%$200,000-$500,000$400,000-$600,000
39.6%37%$500,000+$600,000+



Deductions

It doubles the standard deduction. A single filer's deduction increases from $6,350 to $12,000. The deduction for Married and Joint Filers increases from $12,700 to $24,000.

It reverts back to the current level in 2026. As a result, 94 percent of taxpayers will take the standard deduction. The National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors opposed this. As more taxpayers take a standard deduction, fewer would take advantage of the mortgage interest deduction.

The Act eliminates most itemized deductions. That includes moving expenses, except for members of the military.

Those paying alimony can no longer deduct it, while those receiving it can. This change begins in 2019 for divorces signed in 2018.

It keeps deductions for charitable contributions, retirement savings, and student loan interest.

It limits the deduction on mortgage interest to the first $750,000 of the loan. Interest on home equity lines of credit can no longer be deducted. Current mortgage-holders aren't affected.

Taxpayers can deduct up to $10,000 in state and local taxes. They must choose between property taxes and income or sales taxes.

The Act expands the deduction for medical expenses for 2017 and 2018. It allows taxpayers to deduct medical expenses that are 7.5 percent or more of income. Before the bill, the cutoff was 10 percent for those born after 1952. Seniors already had the 7.5 percent cutoff.  At least 8.8 million people used the deduction in 2015.

Health Insurance Mandate Tax

The Act repeals the Obamacare tax requiring individuals to have insurance in 2019.

Personal Exemptions

It eliminates personal exemptions. Before the Act, taxpayers subtracted $4,150 from income for each person claimed. As a result, some families with many children will pay higher taxes despite the Act's increased standard deductions. 

The Act doubles the estate tax exemption to $11.2 million for singles and $22.4 million for couples. That helps the top 1 percent of the population who pay it. These top 4,918 tax returns contribute $17 billion in taxes. The exemption reverts to pre-Act levels in 2026.

It keeps the Alternative Minimum Tax. It increases the exemption from $54,300 to $70,300 for singles and from $84,500 to $109,400 for joint. The exemptions phase out at $500,000 for singles and $1 million for joint. The exemption reverts to pre-Act levels in 2026.  

Child and Elder Care 

The Act increases the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. Even parents who don't earn enough to pay taxes can claim the credit up to $1,400. It increases the income level from $110,000 to $400,000 for married tax filers.  

It allows parents to use 529 savings plans for tuition at private and religious K-12 schools. They can also use the funds for expenses for home-schooled students.

It allows a $500 credit for each non-child dependent. The credit helps families caring for elderly parents. 

Business Taxes

The Act lowers the maximum corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, the lowest since 1939.

It raises the standard deduction to 20 percent for pass-through businesses. This deduction ends after 2025. Pass-through businesses include sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and S-corporations. They also include real estate companies, hedge funds, and private equity funds. The deductions phase out for service professionals once their income reaches $157,500 for singles and $315,000 for joint filers.

The Act limits corporations' ability to deduct interest expense to 30 percent of income. For the first four years, income is EBITDA, but reverts to earnings before interest and taxes thereafter. That makes it more expensive for financial firms to borrow. Companies would be less likely to issue bonds and buy back their stock. Stock prices could fall. But the limit generates revenue to pay for other tax breaks.

It allows businesses to deduct the cost of depreciable assets in one year instead of amortizing them over several years. It does not apply to structures. To qualify, the equipment must be purchased after September 27, 2017, and before January 1, 2023.

The Act requires stiffens the requirements on carried interest profits. Carried interest is taxed at 23.8 percent instead of the top 39.6 percent income rate. Firms must hold assets for a year to qualify for the lower rate. The Act extends that requirement to three years.

The Act eliminates the corporate AMT.  The corporate AMT had a 20 percent tax rate that kicked in if tax credits pushed a firm's effective tax rate below that level. Under the AMT, companies could not deduct research and development spending or investments in low-income neighborhood.

It advocates a change from the current "worldwide" tax system to a "territorial" system. Under the worldwide system, multinationals are taxed on foreign income earned. They don't pay the tax until they bring the profits home. As a result, many corporations leave it parked overseas. Under the territorial system, they aren't taxed on that foreign profit. They would be more likely to reinvest it in the United States. This will benefit pharmaceutical and high tech companies the most.

The Act allows companies to repatriate the $2.6 trillion they hold in foreign cash stockpiles. They pay a one-time tax rate of 15.5 percent on cash and 8 percent on equipment.

Oil Drilling

It allows oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. 

Electric Vehicles and Wind Farms

It retains tax credits for electric vehicles and wind farms. 

Drug Research

It cuts the deduction for orphan drug research from 50 percent to 25 percent. Orphan drugs target rare diseases. 

Alcohol

The Act cuts taxes on beer, wine, and liquor.

2018 Tax Plan Accounting Firm

Request Appointment Now!

The 2018 tax plan carries with it the most drastic change in our tax code in 30 years. As experienced Tax Accountants, we are responsible for precisely understanding and efficiently enacting any changes due to new tax laws that affect your personal and/or business tax filings. This is why it is critically important to have an experienced tax and accounting firm that utilizes licensed professionals such as CPAs, EAs and Attorneys in your corner when it comes to your upcoming 2019 taxes and beyond. It is our duty and pleasure to help individuals and businesses take every step to ensure the proper deductions, credits and strategies are exercised for your benefit. Please contact Paramount Tax for a free tax planning consultation and learn how to best approach your business and/or personal taxes in 2019!

Call 801-890-4777 today!

I can't express enough how incredibly pleased I am with the services provided by Paramount Tax. From the moment I walked into their office, it was evident that this team truly cares about their clients' success. What stood out to me was the one-on-one consultation where they patiently explained the entire process, bre...
— Sterling Jones, Posted October 1st 2023 on google
Jeff was amazing. I aporeciated his ability to tailor tax scenarios to better help me prepare for my next tax cycle.
— Jason Hassard, Posted March 14th 2023 on google
I had a great experience with Paramount. They are professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They answered all my questions and explained everything clearly. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs tax help. They are the best tax accountants in town!
— Sergei, Posted September 22nd 2023 on google
I like them going to enjoy doing business with them 👍
— errol nelson, Posted September 21st 2023 on google
I’ll never do taxes without these guys again!!
— Kelsey Boyce, Posted September 21st 2023 on google
Paramount is great!
— Matt Boyce, Posted September 21st 2023 on google
Jeffrey is personable, professional, & informative. He asked clarifying questions and recommended a CPA that could help file the trust return I'll need since mom's death.
— Diana Gonzalez, Posted September 18th 2023 on google
Very impressed with this group. Dave is incredibly knowledgeable and helped me develop personalized tax strategies. I’ll be a long time client for sure! Thank guys, you’re awesome!
— Daniel Westenskow, Posted September 13th 2023 on google
Jeff & Doug has helped with our taxes past 2.5 years and they are very knowledgeable and always help us better understand our situations and answers all of our questions. Highly recommend them for anyone.
— Paul Kim (khjpaul), Posted September 10th 2023 on google
I loved meeting with Lexi because they always know how to put my anxieties at ease, my questions get answered quickly and even better, they love talking about my business finances!
— Liz B, Posted August 31st 2023 on google
Paramount has been incredible to work with. Very thorough and responsive and always acting in our best interest. Would highly recommend!
— Matthew Bauer, Posted August 23rd 2023 on google
Jensen was phenomenal! Her knowledge in taxes exceptional. Readily answered all questions, listened intently, guided me through the complex tax issues I am facing. Treated me with understanding and respect. I went into her office carrying a huge emotional burden and ignorance on how to navigate my tax complexities. She...
— Sharon Naegle, Posted August 21st 2023 on google
We love you guys! They are quick and super helpful and efficient!!
— Lisa Cozzens, Posted April 12th 2023 on google
I reached out to Jeffrey for a Spanish speaking client of mine. Jeffrey was patient, knowledgeable, and professional. My client will be reaching back out to Jeffrey closer to the tax season.
— Elizabeth Gutaj, Posted August 16th 2023 on google
Lexi and Jeff are great.
— Nathan Smith, Posted July 21st 2023 on google
Jeff and his team provide great tax advice and I especially like the forward tax planning and strategy sessions to minimize our taxes.
— David Christine Nilsson, Posted July 13th 2023 on google
Just had a free consultation with Jeffrey and I was impressed with the virtual meeting we did. He was very knowledgeable and had a lot of experience with S-Corps, small business, and real estate tax.
— Chace, Posted December 10th 2021 on google
I was very impressed with Josh. He knows the tax laws and he was great at explaining everything in a way that was easy to understand. Five stars, for sure.
— David Dalby, Posted July 10th 2023 on google
So happy we found this place. We’ve worked with Jeff, Doug & Lexi & they are wonderful. They helped us with business and personal tax returns, giving very helpful inputs & guidance. Highly recommend!
— Jeanette Tua, Posted June 29th 2023 on google
These guys are great!
— Matt Russell, Posted June 27th 2023 on google
2018 Tax Plan Accounting Firm awards

Winner! 2017 Angie's List Super Service Award.

Testimonials Awards

Paramount Experience

Many people do not know how a professional tax and accounting firm differs from a bookkeeper or tax preparer. The main difference when working with a professional tax and accounting firm, such as Paramount Tax, is that our firm utilizes the services of CPAs, EAs, and Attorneys who are distinguished from other finance professionals by stringent qualification and licensing requirements. Paramount has worked hard to create relationships to deliver the value that our clients expect. In fact, our goal is to be the No. 1 2018 Tax Plan Accounting Firm firm in America. So when you ask yourself, "Where can I find 2018 Tax Plan Accounting Firm services near me?"... think no further than Paramount Tax!

Free Consultation 801-890-4777

Upgrade to Tax & Accounting Firm

Whether you are filing personal taxes or you own a business, if you are not already using a professional tax and accounting firm, you have most likely already missed out on major tax benefits, deductions and credits. This is because a professional tax and accounting firm utilizes licensed professionals such as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), EAs and Attorneys, who can not only advise individuals on personal financial matters but who are qualified to advise businesses, financial institutions, nonprofit organizations and government agencies on a wide range of financial topics. Our strict standards ensure that we understand the complicated tax laws and how to implement strategies that return the most benefits to individuals and businesses. Give Paramount Tax a call or visit our tax and accounting firm for a free consultation.

Individual Tax Preparation Business Tax Preparation

Why Choose Paramount Tax?

HELLO

Through dedication to the three underlying principles of professionalism, responsiveness and quality, Paramount is committed to providing outstanding service to our clients.

Find a location near you...

Arizona
California
Florida
Idaho
Maryland
NC
Nevada
Texas
Utah
Virginia
cpa franchise


Paramount Tax is now offering financial and tax franchises across the US!


cpa accounting franchise

Let us make our success into your success!

Franchise Information 801-890-4777

Franchise Inquiry