After experiencing financial hardships in 2020 caused by COVID-19, 2021 was a banner year for many medical professionals. I’ve spoken with several dentists who saw their income grow 20% or more last year, rebounding nicely after enduring temporary office closings and patients canceling or delaying their appointments due to the pandemic.
For these professionals, this situation presents a unique opportunity: how to best invest this windfall and still minimize their 2021 tax bill. And because doctors and dentists – as business owners – can wait until Sept. 15 if they extend their tax returns to file their 2021 business tax returns, there is plenty of time to make the best use of any extra income while still cutting taxes.
Here are four recommendations on steps to take now:
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Establish a Cash Balance Pension Plan for 2021
Many medical professionals don’t know they have until they file their business return, including extensions, to open and fund a cash balance plan for the 2021 tax year. For example, in 2022’s first quarter, I opened a cash balance pension plan for a client who was able to save an additional $200,000. This decision will save them a substantial amount of money on their 2021 tax return.
Like a traditional pension, a cash balance plan provides business owners with the option of a lifetime annuity. However, unlike pensions, cash balance plans create an individual account for an owner. These plans are an attractive option, allowing medical professionals to potentially save a substantial amount for retirement annually in a tax-deferred retirement savings account.
Once the owner reaches retirement, they have the option of taking these savings in an annuity spread out over several years or as a lump sum. For those who saw business rebound in 2021, it’s a great tool to catch up on retirement savings while paying less in taxes.
Upgrade Your Retirement Plan for 2022
Many medical professionals use the same retirement plan strategy year after year without much thought, but now is a great time to consider changing the plan’s design to allow more savings. For example, if you only have traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs), consider putting a 401(k) plan in place.
With an IRA, doctors and dentists (and anyone else) can save $7,000 into a traditional IRA if 50 or older. While there are other differences and considerations, a 401(k) retirement plan offers higher contribution limits for participants of up to $67,500, including profit sharing and potential catch-up contributions for 2022. While this won’t save you on your 2021 tax bill, you can utilize the excess cashflow earned during 2021. There are many different retirement plan designs, so speak with your advisory team about all the options.
Make the Most of Your Equipment Expenses
Through the end of 2022, federal tax law allows medical professionals to depreciate 100% of their spending on new equipment, which reduces taxable income. Starting in 2023, the bonus depreciation drops to 80% with an additional 20% drop annually until you can’t take any bonus depreciation in 2028.
If you plan to buy new equipment in the next few years, consider accelerating plans by purchasing it this year to take advantage of the 100% bonus deprecation. Of course, don’t make any unnecessary investments – if it isn’t something you planned to purchase already, don’t do it.
Fund Future Charitable Contributions by Setting Up a Donor Advised Fund
Many medical professionals contribute thousands of dollars annually to their favorite nonprofit organizations. For those who plan to continue making donations for several years – and desire to get a bigger tax break in one tax year – I recommend setting up a donor-advised fund (DAF).
A DAF allows anyone to contribute and receive a charitable deduction in one year, but to spread out the distribution to one or more charities over future years. By doing so, a person will receive a tax deduction at the time of the gift while also making a generous donation.
For example, a medical professional who usually gives $20,000 annually could fund three years of charitable giving by setting up a DAF and contributing $60,000 into the DAF and take the tax deduction in the current year. While the deduction helps offset the high income – thereby lowering taxes – the money can be dispersed over time.
This strategy works particularly well in the year a medical professional sells their practice or has another large one-time tax event. After they retire, their taxable income and itemized deductions are significantly lower so they often use the generous federal income tax standard deduction instead.
2021 was an unusual year for many medical professionals who own their own practices. Taking one of these four steps can save thousands of dollars in taxes while contributing a substantial amount to retirement accounts for future financial independence.
-
Should You Do A Roth IRA Conversion? Nine Things to ConsiderThe Tax Letter Thinking of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA? The Kiplinger Tax Letter Editor highlights nine factors you should consider before making a move.
-
33 Stocks That Could Rally 50% or More This YearAnalysts say these S&P 500 stocks have at least 50% price upside over the next year or so.
-
Going to College? How to Navigate the Financial PlanningCollege decisions this year seem even more complex than usual, including determining whether a school is a 'financial fit.' Here's how to find your way.
-
Financial Steps After a Loved One's Alzheimer's DiagnosisIt's important to move fast on legal safeguards, estate planning and more while your loved one still has the capacity to make decisions.
-
How Soon Can You Walk Away After Selling Your Business?You may earn more money from the sale of your business if you stay to help with the transition to new management. The question is, do you need to?
-
Two Don'ts and Four Dos During Trump's Trade WarThe financial rules have changed now that tariffs have disrupted the markets and created economic uncertainty. What can you do? (And what shouldn't you do?)
-
I'm Single, With No Kids: Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?Unless you have a plan in place, guess who might be making all the decisions about your prized possessions, or even your health care: a court.
-
Most Investors Aren't as Diversified as They Think: Are You?You could be facing a surprisingly dangerous amount of concentration risk without realizing it. Fixing that problem starts with knowing exactly what you own.
-
Will My Children Inherit Too Much?If you worry about how your children will handle an inheritance, you're not alone. Luckily, you have options — from lifetime gifting to trusts — that can help.
-
Charitable Giving Lessons From Netflix's 'Apple Cider Vinegar'Charity fraud is rife, and a Netflix series provides a timely warning about donating money to a good cause without looking into its background.
