Tax Considerations for High-Net-Worth Individuals in 2023

The Secure Act 2.0, signed into law by President Biden in December 2022, aims to expand and improve retirement savings options for Americans. The new law has added some significant changes for HNW individuals.

One of the most important provisions is the increase in the age threshold for required minimum distributions (RMDs) from 72 to 73 years old in 2023, and then to 75 years old in 2023. This change essentially allows individuals to keep more of their savings invested for a longer period of time and lengthens the timeframe to convert tax-deferred assets to tax-free assets using options such as a Roth IRA.

It’s also important to note that in 2025, the Secure Act 2.0 calls for the limit on catch-up contributions to increase for individuals ages 60 to 63 who are participating in employer plans such as a 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b). The limit will be 150% of the standard catch-up amounts or $10,000, whichever is greater. This strategy can not only lower gross income but also enhance retirement savings for those who are eligible.

However, a restriction for high-income individuals comes into play. In 2024, all catch-up contributions for those earning at least $145,000 must be made to a Roth IRA account. It’s important for advisors to discuss options with their HNW clients, including adding more assets to their Roth accounts to prepare for this change.

Secure 2.0 also ushers in new options for those who want to further their tax diversification. Previously, all employer contributions to 401(k), 403(b) and or 457(b) plans were required to be made pre-tax with no tax on the contribution or related earnings until distribution. Now the law allows for plan participants to designate some or all employer-matching contributions and/or non-elective contributions as Roth contributions. Advisors should note this to clients who want to balance pre-tax, Roth and non-retirement accumulations.

Another Secure 2.0 Act change for high-net-worth individuals to consider are penalty-free rollovers from a 529 college savings plan to a Roth IRA. Any rollover counts as part of your $6,500 yearly Roth IRA contribution cap ($7,500 if you are age 50 or older).  The lifetime rollover limit from a 529 plan to an IRA is $35,000.

Gift Tax and Estate Tax Changes

For 2023, the federal annual gift tax exemption increased $1,000 to $17,000 for individuals; for married couples, the exemption is now $34,000. Moreover, the total lifetime gift and estate tax exemption moved up to $12.92 million for individuals (from $12.06 million) and $25.84 million for couples (from $24.12 million).

The good news for people who have already reached their lifetime gifting exemption limit is that this next year they can gift an added $860,000 for individuals and $1.72 million for couples free of gift taxes. However, the bad news is that 2023 brings us one year closer to a massive change in the gift and estate tax exemption. At the end of 2025, the figure is expected to be cut by an estimated 50 percent unless the tax code is changed. Those who are not ready for this potentially seismic shift should speak to their advisors as soon as possible in order to take advantage of planning opportunities.

Deductions for Charitable Donations

Charitable giving to non-profit organizations is a tried-and-true way to lower your tax bill and one that many HNW Individuals can use as a lucrative deduction.

In an environment where interest rates are rising and deductions are changing, advisors should explore the potential benefits strategies to help their clients lower their taxable income with charitable deductions. One example is the use of charitable remainder trusts (CRTs). A CRT allows the taxpayer to give to charity while also allowing them to draw annual income for a pre-determined time. This is particularly helpful if the taxpayer has major planned donations to charities and/or needs a predictable source of income.

With various tax law changes going into effect in the coming years HNW Individuals will face previously unseen tax complexity and tax refund volatility. Advisors will need to pay even closer attention to their clients’ tax situation. Scheduling a mid-year check-up to avoid surprise balances at tax time is highly advisable. These strategies can help advisors provide their high-net-worth clients with an analysis that is specific to their circumstance and can help them take advantage of tax planning opportunities.

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Portia Rose is a managing director at Mazars in the U.S.. She has more than 30 years of experience assisting high-net-worth individuals and their families to address their tax, trust, estate, and wealth planning needs. She specializes in individual tax planning and consulting.