Skip to main content
Snow icon
34º

Tax Season 2020: Breakdown of new tax brackets, other changes to know

4 ways to keep more of your money at tax time

Most Americans are getting ready to get their taxes together -- and there are some changes to note.

The IRS has made inflation adjustments to a range of key figures, from the amount you can put in a 401(k) retirement plan to the individual income tax brackets that help you determine your tax rate.

Recommended Videos



Here are your new tax brackets in 2020:

2020 Tax Brackets. (IRS)

The IRS has also increased standard deduction for the 2020 tax year, which could reduce your taxable income.

The current standard deduction is $12,400 for singles, up from $12,200 in the prior year, and $24,800 for married joint filers, up from $24,400 in 2019.

Retirement savings

The IRS has increased the employee contribution limit for 401(k), 403(b) and most 457 plans to $19,500, up from $19,000 in 2019.

If you’re age 50 or older, you can contribute in an additional $6,500. That’s up from $6,000 in 2019.

IRS retirement savings contribution limits. (IRS)

Gift and estate taxes

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act nearly doubled the amount that decedents can bequeath in death — or gift over their lifetime — and shield it from federal estate and gift taxes, which are 40 percent.

For 2020, the lifetime gift and estate tax exemption has increased again. The lifetime exemption is $11.58 million per individual, up from $11.4 million in 2019.


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

Loading...

Recommended Videos