Retired Military Finances 201: 5 Financial Challenges High Earners Could Face During a Biden Administration

Retired Senior Military Officers and NCOs often end up in high-paying jobs after retirement. It is quite clear that the Biden administration is targeting high earners for increased revenue. Until Biden takes office and begins enacting changes, we won’t know for sure what to expect. But based on his official campaign platform, past interviews and projections, we can better prepare ourselves for the potential changes to come.

Now that Inauguration Day is on the horizon, what challenges could this bring to high earners during a Biden administration?

Challenge #1: Expect Higher Taxes

Much of Biden’s tax plan focuses on raising taxes for high earners, corporations and capital gains. In fact, it’s estimated that approximately 80 percent of tax increases would affect the top one percent of income earners.¹

For those earning over $400,000 annually, Biden is projected to raise taxes including individual income, capital gains and payroll taxes.² Households with an adjusted gross income of $400,000 a year or less will likely see less dramatic tax changes, if any changes at all.

Challenge #2: Corporate Taxes May Be Raised

Under Biden’s proposed tax plan, corporate tax rates are expected to rise to 28 percent, up from the current 21 percent. Additionally, he may set a minimum tax of 15 percent on shareholders’ profits and increase the taxes on foreign earnings of companies overseas.³

Challenge #3: Real Estate Loopholes Could be Eliminated

If rumors that Biden may eliminate the Section 1031 like-kind exchange become true, real estate investors would lose the ability to utilize this common workaround for tax deferment.

These types of exchanges have taken place in the real estate industry for years and have been a part of the IRS code since 1921.⁴ Under current law, real estate investors can delay capital gains taxes when they sell properties and direct earnings into new investments - assuming they follow the IRS’s regulations as to what defines eligibility for Section 1031 exchanges.

Challenge #4: Reverses to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017

The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 included several advantageous tax changes for high earners and business owners - including dropping corporate taxes from 35 percent to 21 percent.⁷ Biden is predicted to eliminate some aspects of the TCJA, likely reversing certain tax breaks for corporations and high-earners.

Challenge #5: Raising of Estate and Gift Taxes

Biden has been cited as saying he’d likely restore estate and gift taxes to pre-TCJA levels.² Any eligible assets gifted above that amount would be likely taxed at a rate of 40 percent - unless the Biden administration changes it otherwise.⁸

We could begin seeing changes soon after Biden takes office. If you’re unsure whether or not your financial situation could be affected, it’s important to reach out to your trusted financial professional. Together, you can create a plan and prepare for what may be coming down the line for you and your future taxes.

If you found this article useful, you might like the following blog posts:

Military Retirement, VA Disability and Your Taxes

Retired Military Finances 101: Taxes

Military Finances 101: Understanding Gifts and Gift Taxes

This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.