What Financial Challenges Could High Earners Face During the Biden Administration?

About the author: Lamar Watson, CFP®, is a Fee-Only Financial Advisor in the Washington, D.C. area that works with clients virtually across the country. Lamar's work with his clients focuses on budgeting, employee benefits, paying down debt, buying their first home, and investing. Lamar is the Founder of Dream Financial Planning, a virtual Fiduciary Financial Planning firm specifically designed to help young professionals and minorities take control of their finances and fulfill their dreams. Feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation to learn how we use the DREAM Financial Planning Process ™ to help our clients achieve their goals. 

With one of the most contentious elections in history behind us, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. officially took office on January 20. With a new administration, high earners are left wondering how the Biden presidency will affect them financially. 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 has come and gone, 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 

Biden is projected to raise taxes for those earning over $400,000 annually, 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. They 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: Elimination of Fossil Fuel Subsidies

For oil industry executives, the elimination of fossil fuel subsidies could affect your earnings. As of September 2020, this industry is said to be worth $14 trillion in assets.⁵

Biden is pushing to end U.S. fossil fuel subsidies worth billions of dollars a year in an effort to combat climate change and reach net-zero emissions within 30 years.⁶

Challenge #5: 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 #6: 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 

Now that Biden has taken office, it's likely we'll start seeing changes shortly. 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.

Dream Financial Planning Process ™

Whether you're managing student loan debt, starting a family, or considering buying your first home, the DREAM Financial Planning Process™ is tailored to the unique needs of busy professionals in their 30s and 40s. This process focuses more on short-term goals while you grow and evolve in your personal and professional life. If you're looking for guidance on Financial Planning, optimizing employee benefits, budgeting, student loans, and managing your 401k or investments, we can help.

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With uncertainty surrounding the economic stability of our country, it's okay to have fears and anxieties surrounding your own savings and investments. The most productive course of action from here is to reach out to Dream Financial Planning (or whoever your trusted advisor might be) and discuss your options. It's easy to have knee-jerk reactions when it feels like the bottom is falling out, but it is imperative to make decisions using research-backed data and a level head. If you'd like a Complimentary Review and risk assessment of your investment portfolio, feel free to send me an e-mail.

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On the first Thursday of every month, I send out a monthly newsletter with tips and tricks to help you manage your finances. Will your portfolio allocation lead to a $100,000+ mistake? In The January Newsletter, I discuss the benefits of an aggressive portfolio allocation for those in their 20s and 30s. There's also an article from The Wall Street Journal where I discuss the benefits of Flex Spending Accounts. Last but not least, there's a blog post about The Breakdown On Capital Gains & Taxes and Vanguard Portfolio Allocation Models.

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