? For 2018, the standard deduction for a single individual is $12,000 and for a married couple is $24,000. A person will benefit by itemizing once allowable deductions exceed the applicable standard deduction. Itemized deductions include state and local income taxes (or sales taxes) AND real estate taxes limited to $10k per year, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses in excess of 7.5% of income in 2018 and 10% of income after that.
? Starting in 2018, personal exemptions are no longer deductible.
? The maximum earnings subject to social security taxes is $132,900 for 2019, up from $128,400 in 2018.
? The standard mileage rate is $.58 per business mile as of January 1, 2019, up from $.545 for 2018.
? The maximum annual salary deferral into a 401(k) plan or a 403(b) plan is $19,000 in 2019, up from $18,500 in 2018. And if you’ll be 50 or older by December 31st, you can contribute an extra $6,000 into your 401(k) or 403(b) account this year.
? The maximum annual contribution to your IRA is $6,000 in 2019, up from $5,500 for 2015 through 2018. And if you turn 50 by December 31st, you can contribute an extra $1,000 that year. You have until April 15, 2019 to make your 2018 IRA contributions.