Now’s the time to start thinking about bunching
This article organizes the original guidance on now’s the time to start thinking about bunching miscellaneous itemized deductions into clear sections for easier reading and reference.
Overview
This opening section presents the main context from the original post.
Many expenses that may qualify as miscellaneous itemized deductions are deductible only to the extent they exceed, in aggregate, 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Bunching these expenses into a single year may allow you to exceed this “floor.” So now is a good time to add up your potential deductions to date to see if bunching is a smart strategy for you this year.
Should you bunch into 2016?
This section keeps the original guidance focused on should you bunch into 2016?.
If your miscellaneous itemized deductions are getting close to—or they already exceed—the 2% floor, consider incurring and paying additional expenses by December 31, such as:
- Deductible investment expenses, including advisory fees, custodial fees and publications
- Professional fees, such as tax planning and preparation, accounting, and certain legal fees
- Unreimbursed employee business expenses, including vehicle costs, travel, and allowable meals and entertainment.
But beware…
This section keeps the original guidance focused on but beware….
These expenses are not deductible for alternative minimum tax (AMT) purposes. So don’t bunch them into 2016 if you might be subject to the AMT this year.
Also, if your AGI exceeds the applicable threshold, certain deductions—including miscellaneous itemized deductions—are reduced by 3% of the AGI amount that exceeds the threshold (not to exceed 80% of otherwise allowable deductions). For 2016, the thresholds are $259,400 (single), $285,350 (head of household), $311,300 (married filing jointly) and $155,650 (married filing separately).
If you’d like more information on miscellaneous itemized deductions, the AMT or the itemized deduction limit, let us know.
Related Resources
These resources connect the article topic with related Bowers service pages and approved professional reading.
FAQ
The questions below summarize the main points already covered in the article.
What is the main focus of Now’s the time to start thinking about bunching miscellaneous itemized deductions?
The article focuses on now’s the time to start thinking about bunching miscellaneous itemized deductions and organizes the original guidance into sections for easier review.
What topics does the article cover first?
The article begins with should you bunch into 2016? and then continues through the remaining points in the original post.
Which additional areas are included?
Additional sections include but beware….
Does the post include action items or reminders?
Yes. The original post includes listed items that have been kept in list format for easier scanning.
Was the original post wording changed?
The revision keeps the author wording and updates the structure so the post is easier to read online.