New Tax Cuts Ahead!

New 2023 income tax brackets and a higher standard deduction may mean tax cuts for many Americans.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released adjustments to tax brackets for 2023, adding thousands of dollars to most marginal tax brackets, and potentially protecting more of your income from taxes next year. The 7.1% adjustment is one of the biggest in decades, and more than twice what it was in 2022. Additionally, the standard deduction will rise. For married couples the bump up is $1,800 to $27,700. For single filers, it’s an increase of $900 to $13,850. The adjustment reflects record inflation of 8.2% through September 2022.

While the changes affect everyone, they particularly have an impact on people whose income did not keep pace with inflation this year.

There’s good news for savers: higher contribution limits for 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs.

In addition to tax savings, the IRS made adjustments to numerous other parts of the tax code that have an impact on retirement savings and more. 

An opportunity to save more in a 401(k)

People who have access to a 401(k) plan through work can consider putting more money away next year, as the IRS also announced annual contribution limit increases for 2023. Participants in such plans can contribute $22,500 (pretax), up from $20,500 in 2022. People 50 and older can make catch-up contributions of $7,500, an increase from $6,500 this year.

2023 IRA contribution limits

IRA contribution limits have also increased to $6,500 for 2023, compared to $6,000 for 2022.

Contributions to a traditional 401(k) or a traditional IRA can reduce your taxable income, and deferred amounts are not taxed until you begin withdrawals in retirement.

2023 HSA contribution limits

Lastly, the IRS also increased health savings account (HSA) annual contribution limits. The inflation adjustment lets individuals save $3,850, up from $3,650 in 2022. For family coverage, contribution limits for next year have jumped to $7,750 from $7,300. HSAs can help people save for rising health care costs now and in retirement.

 

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Tools & Resources

Internal Revenue Service

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Mass Tax Connect

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