Newsletters
The IRS has reminded taxpayers to report digital asset income on 2023 federal tax returns, with an updated question now on Forms 1040, Individual Income Tax Return; 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return...
For purposes of the new clean vehicle credit and the used clean vehicle credit, the IRS has extended the deadlines for submitting seller reports for vehicles placed in service in 2023 and ea...
For purposes of the low-income housing credit, the IRS concluded that additional housing credit dollar amounts (HCDAs) for 2021 and 2022 that are returned to a state housing agency may be realloca...
The IRS has underscored the vital importance of selecting a tax professional carefully to safeguard personal and financial information. Taxpayers bear legal responsibility for their income tax...
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued guidance on inflation adjustments to its civil monetary penalties as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment...
Legislative authorities may designate an exemption to Washington's Tourism Promotion Area lodging charge to any lodging business, lodging unit, or lodging guest. H.B. 2137, Laws 2024, effective 90 day...
Following what was described as a successful launch of beneficial ownership information reporting requirements, officials from the Department of the Treasury found themselves before the House Financial Services Committee defending the regulations.
Following what was described as a successful launch of beneficial ownership information reporting requirements, officials from the Department of the Treasury found themselves before the House Financial Services Committee defending the regulations.
"The beneficial ownership registry successfully launched on January 1 this year," Andrea Gacki, director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, said during a February 14 oversight hearing of the committee. "In the first week alone, more than 100,000 companies successfully filed their beneficial ownership information. And I am pleased to report that today, so far, FinCEN has received more than half a million reports successfully filed."
Brian Nelson, Treasury undersecretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, told the committee that there are 32 million companies that are expected to file a BOI report.
Gacki continued: "The now ongoing better collection of beneficial ownership information, paired with the forthcoming phased provision of access to the database by law enforcement and other authorized users will close what is long been identified as a gap in the United States anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism regime."
Gacki and Nelson were put on the defensive during the hearing as committee members challenged them on the effect of the reporting requirements on small businesses.
She noted that FinCEN took steps to make sure the filing system is "workable for small businesses," including making it simple with the ability to complete in 20 minutes without the need to seek professional help that could end up costing a small business more money.
Nelson also emphasized that Treasury is using all available tools to spread the word of the filing requirements and offer guides on how to file.
"We recognize that a number of these small businesses have never heard of FinCEN, so there’s a big educational campaign," he said, adding that the agency is working on a solution for those unable to file BOI electronically, such as businesses in Amish communities.
Gacki also stressed that if there are issues related to filing, FinCEN is not looking to take action against those who are simply having trouble filing their BOI report.
"I want to stress that, when it comes to enforcement, the statute is clear," she said. "We can only take enforcement action for willful violations. We are not out to take ‘gotcha’ enforcement actions. We want to educate about the requirement."
AICPA Calls For Suspension Of BOI Reporting Requirement
Despite the efforts FinCEN and the broader Treasury department are making to educate the public on the BOI reporting requirements, the American Institute of CPAs is calling for the suspension of BOI reporting requirements.
In a February 13, 2024, letter to the leadership of the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee, AICPA stated the BOI reporting rule "should be suspended until the small business community is considered well-informed of their requirement to report BOI information to FinCEN and the outstanding questions by the financial professionals who serve this community have been answered."
AICPA stated that small businesses "should have a reasonable chance at compliance" in addition to a timeframe to gain awareness of the requirements. "To comply and provide the information necessary, small businesses need additional time to work through these and other questions that have not been answered in the six weeks this rule has been in effect. We urge you to suspend the rule and give small entities the time necessary to work through this requirement so we can best support the small business community."
By Gregory Twachtman, Washington News Editor
The IRS has issued a warning to small businesses regarding potential issues with Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims as the March 22, 2024 deadline for the ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program approaches. Seven suspicious warning signs have been identified based on feedback from tax professionals and compliance personnel. These signs may indicate erroneous claims and could lead to IRS scrutiny.
The IRS has issued a warning to small businesses regarding potential issues with Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims as the March 22, 2024 deadline for the ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program approaches. Seven suspicious warning signs have been identified based on feedback from tax professionals and compliance personnel. These signs may indicate erroneous claims and could lead to IRS scrutiny. The ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program allows businesses to rectify incorrect claims by repaying just 80% of the amount claimed. Taxpayers who realize their claims are ineligible are urged to quickly pursue the claim withdrawal process.
The IRS has highlighted seven suspicious signs indicating potential inaccuracies in ERC claims. These include:
- Too many quarters being claimed: Employers should ensure they meet eligibilitycriteria for each quarter claimed.
- Government orders that dont qualify: Employers should have clear documentation demonstrating how and when government orders related to COVID-19 impacted their operations.The frequently asked questions about ERC – Qualifying Government Orders section of IRS.gov has helpful examples. Also, employers should avoid a promoter that supplies a generic narrative about a government order.
- Too many employees and wrong calculations : Employers should accurately calculate the credit based on changes in the law and avoid overclaiming. For details about credit amounts, see the Employee Retention Credit - 2020 vs 2021 Comparison Chart.
- Business citing supply chain issues :Employers should carefully review the rules on supply chain issues and examples in the 2023 legal memo on supply chain disruptions.
- Business claiming ERC for too much of a tax period: Businesses should check their claim for overstated qualifying wages and should keep payroll records that support their claim.
- Business didn’t pay wages or didn’t exist during eligibility period: Employers can only claim ERC for tax periods when they paid wages to employees.
- Promoter says there’s nothing to lose: Businesses should be on high alert with any ERC promoter who urged them to claim ERC because they have nothing to lose.
The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) is available to eligible employers who paid qualified wages to some or all employees between March 12, 2020, and January 1, 2022. Eligibility varies based on the time period:
- For 2020 and the first two quarters of 2021: Eligibility is based on trade or business operations being fully or partially suspended due to a COVID-19-related government order or experiencing a decline in gross receipts.
- For the third quarter of 2021: Eligibility includes suspension of trade or business operations, a decline in gross receipts, or being classified as a recovery startup business.
- For the fourth quarter of 2021: Only recovery startup businesses are eligible.
The IRS has issued the luxury car depreciation limits for business vehicles placed in service in 2024 and the lease inclusion amounts for business vehicles first leased in 2024.
The IRS has issued the luxury car depreciation limits for business vehicles placed in service in 2024 and the lease inclusion amounts for business vehicles first leased in 2024.
Luxury Passenger Car Depreciation Caps
The luxury car depreciation caps for a passenger car placed in service in 2024 limit annual depreciation deductions to:
- $12,400 for the first year without bonus depreciation
- $20,400 for the first year with bonus depreciation
- $19,800 for the second year
- $11,900 for the third year
- $7,160 for the fourth through sixth year
Depreciation Caps for SUVs, Trucks and Vans
The luxury car depreciation caps for a sport utility vehicle, truck, or van placed in service in 2024 are:
- $12,400 for the first year without bonus depreciation
- $20,400 for the first year with bonus depreciation
- $19,800 for the second year
- $11,900 for the third year
- $7,160 for the fourth through sixth year
Excess Depreciation on Luxury Vehicles
If depreciation exceeds the annual cap, the excess depreciation is deducted beginning in the year after the vehicle’s regular depreciation period ends.
The annual cap for this excess depreciation is:
- $7,160 for passenger cars and
- $7,160 for SUVS, trucks, and vans.
Lease Inclusion Amounts for Cars, SUVs, Trucks and Vans
If a vehicle is first leased in 2024, a taxpayer must add a lease inclusion amount to gross income in each year of the lease if its fair market value at the time of the lease is more than:
- $62,000 for a passenger car, or
- $64,000 for an SUV, truck or van.
The 2024 lease inclusion tables provide the lease inclusion amounts for each year of the lease.
The lease inclusion amount results in a permanent reduction in the taxpayer’s deduction for the lease payments.
Vehicles Exempt from Depreciation Caps and Lease Inclusion Amounts
The depreciation caps and lease inclusion amounts do not apply to:
- cars with an unloaded gross vehicle weight of more than 6,000 pounds; or
- SUVs, trucks and vans with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 6,000 pounds.
So taxpayers who want to avoid these limits should "think big."
The Internal Revenue Service has reviewed, redesigned and deployed 31 notices for the 2024 tax filing season in an effort to simplify the notices and improve their clarity.
This is a part of a broader effort to simplify up to 90 percent of the notices the agency sends out to taxpayers on an annual basis.
The Internal Revenue Service has reviewed, redesigned and deployed 31 notices for the 2024 tax filing season in an effort to simplify the notices and improve their clarity.
This is a part of a broader effort to simplify up to 90 percent of the notices the agency sends out to taxpayers on an annual basis.
Included in the first wave of redesigned notices are notices to taxpayers who served in combat that may be eligible for tax deferment, notices that remind a taxpayer that they may have an unfiled return, and notices that remind a taxpayer about their balance due and where they can go for assistance.
"The IRS has a large number of these letters as well as other standard correspondence,"IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel said during a January 23, 2024, teleconference with reporters."And as we’ve heard from tax professionals as well as taxpayers, these notices can be confusing. They cover complex topics. They can include a lot of legal language, and with our current systems and machines, the letters can be a mishmash of looks that do not always have a consistent familiar look you might get from a credit card company or a bank."
Werfel said that these issues made it clear the agency management that they need to redesign the notices to utilize clearer, plain language that a taxpayer can act upon without potentially needing to consult with a tax professional to help understand the information being sent and potentially requested. About 20 million of these 31 notices were sent to taxpayers in calendar year 2022, he said.
He highlighted the potential that the redesigned notices will have by discussing the pilot program that redesigned Notice 5071C, which asks questions about possible identity theft. The IRS made the language clearer and included a QR code to direct taxpayers to the appropriate web page to allow them to respond to the notice.
"In all, 60,000 taxpayers received this pilot letter compared to taxpayers who received the original letter,"Werfel said."There was a 16 percent reduction in taxpayers who called the IRS as their first action and a 6 percent increase in taxpayers who used the online option. The IRS will apply the lessons learned from this pilot to a larger redesign initiative."
By the 2025 tax filing season, Werfel said the IRS is hoping to have redesigned up to 200 notices, which make up about 90 percent of the notices sent out to individual taxpayers in 2022.
By Gregory Twachtman, Washington News Editor
The IRS, with its Criminal Investigation (CI) arm, has urged businesses to review eligibility for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). To combat fraud, they intensified compliance efforts related to this pandemic-era credit. Businesses wrongly claiming the ERC are advised to consider applying for the Voluntary Disclosure Program before the March 22 deadline. A special withdrawal program is also available for those with eligibility concerns on pending claims.
The IRS, with its Criminal Investigation (CI) arm, has urged businesses to review eligibility for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). To combat fraud, they intensified compliance efforts related to this pandemic-era credit. Businesses wrongly claiming the ERC are advised to consider applying for the Voluntary Disclosure Program before the March 22 deadline. A special withdrawal program is also available for those with eligibility concerns on pending claims. Both programs aimed to help employers to avoid penalties and interest on incorrect claims. CI special agents plan to conduct nationwide educational sessions in February for tax professionals, focusing on the ERC. These sessions, part of a broader initiative, will be held in at least 23 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The IRS has implemented several initiatives to address inappropriate claims by businesses. Some key points are listed below.
ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program (Open until March 22, 2024):
- businesses with erroneous claims and received payments can participate;and
- the program runs until March 22, 2024.
Withdrawal Program for Pending ERC Claims:
- the IRS continues to accept and process requests to withdraw an employer's full ERC claim under a special withdrawal process.
ERC Eligibility Information:
- special information is available to help businesses understand Employee Retention Tax Credit guidelines; and
- resources include ERC FAQs and the ERC Eligibility Checklist, offered as an interactive toolor a printable guide.
Increased IRS Compliance Activity:
- letters notifying taxpayers of disallowed ERC claims have been sent;
- letters related to claiming an erroneous or excessive credit are planned; and
- ongoing compliance efforts include Audits, Civil Investigations, and Criminal Investigations.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has published a Small Entity Compliance Guide (Guide) to provide an overview of the Beneficial Ownership Information Access and Safeguards Rule (Access Rule) requirements for small entities that obtain beneficial ownership information (BOI) from FinCEN.
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has published a Small Entity Compliance Guide (Guide) to provide an overview of the Beneficial Ownership Information Access and Safeguards Rule (Access Rule) requirements for small entities that obtain beneficial ownership information (BOI) from FinCEN. Under the Access Rule, issued in December 2023, BOI reported to FinCEN is confidential, must be protected and may be disclosed only to certain authorized federal agencies; state, local, tribal and foreign governments; and financial institutions. The guide includes sections summarizing the Access Rule’s requirements that pertain to small financial institutions’ access to BOI.
Further, FinCEN intends to provide access to certain categories of financial institutions with obligations under the current Customer Due Diligence (CDD) Rule. Therefore, this Guide includes sections summarizing the Access Rule’s requirements that pertain to these small financial institutions only
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have released new analysis that shows the additional funding provided to the IRS under the Inflation Reduction Act can increase revenues by"as much as" $561 billion.
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service have released new analysis that shows the additional funding provided to the IRS under the Inflation Reduction Act can increase revenues by"as much as" $561 billion.
"This analysis provides a more comprehensive assessment of the revenue effects of the transformational enforcement and modernization efforts enabled by the IRA" Greg Leiserson, Treasury deputy assistant secretary for tax analysis, said February 6, 2024, during a press teleconference."The IRS estimates that the IRA, as enacted, would increase revenue by as much as $561billion through fiscal year 2034, substantially more than earlier estimates. If IRA funding is renewed with it runs out, as the administration has proposed, estimated revenue would be as much as $851 billion."
A previous estimate had the IRA generating an additional $390 billion over the next 10 years based primarily on enforcement hires as the key revenue driver and assuming a diminished return over time.
Leiserson noted that previous estimates"were limited to revenues generated by direct enforcement activities resulting from higher enforcement staffing. This narrow focus does not consider the significant impact of the technology, data, and service improvements made possible by the IRA or any deterrent effect the greater enforcement capabilities and activities would have in order to better assess the revenue raised by this transformation."
The new analysis is broken down into five categories:
- Direct Revenue: payments received related to enforcement actions
- Revenue Protected: stopping illegitimate refund claims before the refund is issued
- Impact of Service on Compliance: making it easier for taxpayers to pay what they owe
- Compliance Assurance: increasing transparency and tax certainty for complex tax situations
- Efficiency Gains: including from IT investments and improvements to data analytics
The IRS has traditionally made estimates in the first two categories listed.
IRS Chief Data and Analytics Officer Melanie Krause during the call highlighted that in addition to the heightened compliance and enforcement efforts going on against the wealthy individuals that may not be paying taxes they legitimately owe, the improvements to things such as customer service and to improving access to Taxpayer Assistance Centers also helps.
"For example, whether we have the resources to serve taxpayers by being available to answer the phone" when they have question is important for voluntary compliance, she said, adding that the same is true for when people use TACs.
She noted that the analysis being published"is a pioneering step forward for developing a more exhaustive and accurate estimates of the return on investment for IRS funding, which will enrich our understanding of how these investments yield tangible outcomes,"she said.
Taking into consideration everything and not just enforcement gains "illustrate the bottom-line importance of investing in our nation’s tax system really can’t be overstated," Krause said."And the resulting changes will ripple out and create benefits for taxpayers and the nation in many ways."
By Gregory Twachtman, Washington News Editor
The American Institute of CPAs offered a series of guidance recommendations to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service to help provide clarity on a notice issued by the IRS on changes to the regulation for Roth IRA catch-up contributions made by SECURE 2.0.
The American Institute of CPAs offered a series of guidance recommendations to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service to help provide clarity on a notice issued by the IRS on changes to the regulation for Roth IRA catch-up contributions made by SECURE 2.0.
In a January 17, 2024, letter to the agencies, AICPA recommend that guidance be issued across areas.
First, the organization recommended that Treasury and the IRS "ssue guidance stated that federal income tax withholding with respect to a participant’s mandatory Roth IRAcatch-up contribution is not required before February 1 of the year in which the amount is contributed," the letter stated.
Second, AICPA called for guidance "allowing an elective deferral which is treated as a Roth catch-up contribution due to being recharacterized based on the failure of the ADP [actual deferral percentage] test, to be taxable to the participant in the year of recharacterization."
Third, it was recommended that future guidance issued in relation to Section V.3 of the Notice 2023-62"clarifies that for purposes of determining if an employee’s participating wages exceeds $145,000 (as adjusted0, only wages from the employee’s specific common law employer in the previous year are included, and only if it is a participating employer in the plan."
Finally, AICPA recommends the agencies "issueguidance stating that an individual who had deferrals characterized as Roth contributions as a result of not contributing deferrals equal to the regular limit be permitted to have them designated as regular deferrals."
The organization characterized these guidance recommendations as helping to bring more simplicity to the tax system.
"Due to the mandate in SECURE 2.0 requiring certain catch-up contributions be made on a Roth IRA basis, the IRS issued notice 2023-62 to help implement the provision," Kristin Esposito, AICPA director of tax policy and advocacy, said in a statement. "AICPA want to highlight certain administrability issues noticed in the guidance that we believe will make for a smoother transition."
By Gregory Twachtman, Washington News Editor
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve tax compliance in high income categories, the IRS will begin dozens of audits on business aircraft involving personal use.
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve tax compliance in high income categories, the IRS will begin dozens of audits on business aircraft involving personal use. The audits will be focused on large corporations, large partnerships and other high income taxpayers, and will scrutinize whether the use of jets is being properly allocated between business and personal reasons. "During tax season, millions of people are doing the right thing by filing and paying their taxes, and they should have confidence that everyone is also following the law," said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel, "These aircraftaudits will help ensure high-income groups aren’t flying under the radar with their tax responsibilities."
These audits of corporate jet usage is part of the IRS Large Business and International division’s "campaign" program and includes issue-focused examinations, taxpayer outreach and education, tax form changes and focusing on particular issues that present a high risk of noncompliance. "The IRS continues to increase scrutiny on high-income taxpayers as we work to reverse the historic low audit rates and limited focus that the wealthiest individuals and organizations faced in the years that predated the Inflation Reduction Act," Werfel said. In addition to the work on corporate jets,the IRS has a variety of efforts underway to improve tax compliance in complex, overlooked high-dollar areas where the agency did not have adequate resources prior to Inflation Reduction Act funding.
The ACA created Code Sec. 5000A. Individuals must have minimum essential health insurance coverage, qualify for a health coverage exemption, or make an individual shared responsibility payment. Minimum essential coverage includes most government-sponsored health care programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE. Eligible employer-sponsored plans; individual market plans, including plans obtained through the ACA Heath Insurance Marketplace, and grandfathered plans provide minimum essential coverage.
The ACA created Code Sec. 5000A. Individuals must have minimum essential health insurance coverage, qualify for a health coverage exemption, or make an individual shared responsibility payment. Minimum essential coverage includes most government-sponsored health care programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and TRICARE. Eligible employer-sponsored plans; individual market plans, including plans obtained through the ACA Heath Insurance Marketplace, and grandfathered plans provide minimum essential coverage.
The ACA also provided that certain types of coverage are not treated as minimum essential coverage. These benefits are known as “excepted benefits.”
There are a number of types of excepted benefits for ACA purposes. They include (not an exhaustive list):
- Coverage only for accident, including accidental death and dismemberment;
- Disability income insurance;
- Liability insurance, including general liability insurance and automobile liability insurance;
- Coverage issued as a supplement to liability insurance;
- Workers' compensation or similar insurance;
- Automobile medical payment insurance;
- Credit-only insurance, such as, mortgage insurance; and
- Coverage for on-site medical clinics
Additionally, the ACA created a number of health insurance market reforms. These reforms impose new minimum requirements related to coverage, premiums, benefits, cost sharing, and consumer protections. Generally, health plans must comply with the market reforms. The market reforms generally affect insurance offered to groups and individuals. The market reforms generally do not apply to excepted benefits.
After passage of the ACA, questions arose if Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) were excepted benefits. EAPs are programs offered by employers, which frequently provide a wide-ranging set of benefits. Benefits may include referral services and short-term substance use disorder or mental health counseling, as well as financial counseling and legal services. They are typically available free of charge to employees and are often provided through third-party vendors. The IRS has issued guidance, explaining that generally EAPs are excepted benefits.
Please contact our office for more details about excepted benefits and the ACA.
With the soaring cost of college tuition rising on a yearly basis, tax-free tuition gifts to children and grandchildren can help them afford such an expensive endeavor, as well as save the generous taxpayers in gift and generation skipping taxes. Under federal law, tuition payments that are made directly to an educational institution on behalf of a student are not considered to be taxable gifts, regardless of how large, or small, the payment may be.
With the soaring cost of college tuition rising on a yearly basis, tax-free tuition gifts to children and grandchildren can help them afford such an expensive endeavor, as well as save the generous taxpayers in gift and generation skipping taxes. Under federal law, tuition payments that are made directly to an educational institution on behalf of a student are not considered to be taxable gifts, regardless of how large, or small, the payment may be.
Code Sec. 2503(e) allows taxpayers the benefit of an unlimited gift tax exclusion for payment of tuition to colleges for students. In this way, a taxpayer can navigate around the annual gift tax exclusion limit. By so doing, a taxpayer can both give an unlimited amount of money for a student’s tuition costs without incurring a gift tax penalty. In addition, a taxpayer can then directly provide that same student with an outright cash gift up to the annual gift tax exclusion amount, without a tax penalty for doing so.
However, a direct tuition payment might prompt a college to reduce any potential grant award in your grandchild's financial aid package, so make sure to ask the college about the financial aid impact of your gift.
Requirements
In order to qualify for the gift tax exclusion, the tuition payments must be made directly to a qualifying organization, which is defined in Code Sec. 170(b). A qualifying organization is an institution that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on. Therefore, such organizations are not limited to colleges and universities, but may include various types and levels of education institutions.
The donor of the gift of tuition does not have to be related to the beneficiary for the gift to be considered tax-free. However, the tuition must be directly paid to the institution. The donee may be enrolled either part-time or full-time.
Amounts ineligible for exclusion
Of important note, reimbursements for tuition paid by someone else is ineligible for tax-free gift exclusion treatment. Further, a transfer to an irrevocable trust established to pay tuition expenses of trust beneficiaries does not qualify for the unlimited exclusion, even if the trustee makes payments directly to the educational institution. In addition, amounts paid for fees, books, supplies or the donee’s living expenses while in school do not qualify for tax-free treatment.
Any contribution to a qualified tuition program on behalf of a designated beneficiary, as well as any contribution to a Coverdell Education Savings Account, is a completed gift of a present interest eligible for the annual gift tax exclusion at the time the contribution is made. However, such contributions are not treated as qualified transfers that are eligible for the educational expense unlimited gift tax exclusion.
An early glimpse at the income tax picture for 2017 is now available. The new information includes estimated ranges for each 2017 tax bracket as well as projections for a growing number of inflation-sensitive tax figures, such as the tax rate brackets, personal exemption and the standard deduction. Projections – made available by Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting US – are based on the relevant inflation data recently released by the U.S. Department of Labor. The IRS is expected to release the official figures by early November. Here are a few of the more widely-applicable projected amounts:
An early glimpse at the income tax picture for 2017 is now available. The new information includes estimated ranges for each 2017 tax bracket as well as projections for a growing number of inflation-sensitive tax figures, such as the tax rate brackets, personal exemption and the standard deduction. Projections – made available by Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting US – are based on the relevant inflation data recently released by the U.S. Department of Labor. The IRS is expected to release the official figures by early November. Here are a few of the more widely-applicable projected amounts:
Tax Brackets
For 2017, for married taxpayers filing jointly and surviving spouses, the maximum taxable income for the:
- 10-percent bracket is $18,650, (up from $18,550 for 2016);
- 15-percent tax bracket, $75,900 (up from $75,300 for 2016);
- 25-percent tax bracket, $153,100 (up from $151,900 for 2016);
- 28-percent tax bracket, $233,350 (up from $231,450 for 2016);
- 33-percent tax bracket, $416,700 (up from $413,350 for 2016);
- 35-percent tax bracket, $470,700 (up from $466,950 for 2016); and
- 6 percent for all taxable income above that 35-percent bracket’s maximum income level.
For heads of household, the maximum taxable income for the:
- 10-percent bracket is $13,350 (up from $13,250 for 2016);
- 15-percent tax bracket, $50,800 (up from $50,400 for 2016);
- 25-percent tax bracket, $131,201 (up from $130,150 for 2016);
- 28-percent tax bracket, $212,500 (up from $210,800 for 2016);
- 33-percent tax bracket, $416,700 (up from $413,350 for 2016);
- 35-percent tax bracket, $446,700 (up from $441,000 for 2016);
- 6 percent for all taxable income above that 35-percent bracket’s maximum income level.
For unmarried, single filers who are not heads of household or surviving spouses, the maximum taxable income for the:
- 10-percent bracket is $9,325 (up from $9,275 for 2016);
- 15-percent tax bracket, $37,950 (up from $37,650 for 2016);
- 25-percent tax bracket, $91,900 (up from $91,150 for 2016);
- 28-percent tax bracket, $191,650 (up from $190,150 for 2016);
- 33-percent tax bracket, $416,700 (up from $413,350 for 2016);
- 35-percent tax bracket, $418,400 (up from $415,050 for 2016); and
- 6 percent for all taxable income above that 35-percent bracket’s maximum income level.
For married taxpayers filing separately, the maximum taxable income for the:
- 10-percent bracket is $9,325 (up from $9,275 for 2016);
- 15-percent tax bracket, $37,950 (up from $37,650 for 2016);
- 25-percent tax bracket, $76,550 (up from $75,950 for 2016);
- 28-percent tax bracket, $116,675 (up from $115,725 for 2016);
- 33-percent tax bracket, $208,350 (up from $206,675 for 2016);
- 35-percent tax bracket, $235,350 (up from $233,475 for 2016); and
- 6 percent for all taxable income above that 35-percent bracket’s maximum income level.
Standard Deduction
The 2017 standard deduction will rise $50, to $6,350 for single taxpayers. For married joint filers, the standard deduction will rise $100, to $12,700. For heads of household, the standard deduction will rise to $9,350, up from $9,300 for 2016. The additional standard deduction for blind and aged married taxpayers will remain at $1,250. For unmarried taxpayers who are blind or aged, the amount of the additional standard deduction will also remain the same ($1,550).
For 2017 the so-called "kiddie" deduction used on the returns of children claimed as dependents on their parents’ returns remains $1,050 or $350 plus the individual’s earned income.
Personal Exemptions
The personal exemption will be $4,050 for 2017, the same as for 2016. The phaseout of the personal exemption for higher-income taxpayers will begin after taxpayers pass the same income thresholds set forth for the limitation on itemized deductions.
Limitation on Itemized Deductions
For higher-income taxpayers who itemize their deductions, the limitation on itemized deductions will be imposed as follows:
- For married couples filing joint returns or surviving spouses, the income threshold will begin to phase out at income over $313,800, up from $311,300 for 2016.
- For heads of household, the beginning threshold will be $287,650 in 2016, up from $285,350 for 2016.
- For single taxpayers, the beginning threshold will be $261,500, up from $259,400 for 2016.
- For married taxpayers filing separate returns, the 2016 threshold will be $156,900, up from $155,650 for 2016.
Estate and Gift Tax
Gift Tax. The 2017 gift tax annual exemption will remain the same as for 2016, at $14,000.
Estate Tax. The estate and gift tax applicable exclusion will increase from $5,450,000 in 2016 to $5,490,000 in 2017.
Gifts to Noncitizen Spouses. The first $149,000 of gifts made in 2017 to a spouse who is not a U.S. citizen will not be included in taxable gifts, up $1,000 from $148,000 for 2016.
AMT Exemptions
The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 provided for the annual inflation adjustment of the exemption from alternative minimum tax (AMT) income. Previously, this inflation adjustment had to be enacted by Congress each year. For 2017, the AMT exemption for married joint filers and surviving spouses is projected to be $84,500 (up from $83,800 for 2016). For heads of household and unmarried single filers, the exemption will be $54,300 (up from $53,900 for 2016). For married separate filers, the exemption will be $42,250 (up from $41,900 for 2016).
As an individual or business, it is your responsibility to be aware of and to meet your tax filing/reporting deadlines. This calendar summarizes important federal tax reporting and filing data for individuals, businesses and other taxpayers for the month of July 2016.
As an individual or business, it is your responsibility to be aware of and to meet your tax filing/reporting deadlines. This calendar summarizes important federal tax reporting and filing data for individuals, businesses and other taxpayers for the month of July 2016.
July 1
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jun 25–28.
July 7
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jun 29–Jul 1.
July 8
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 2–5.
July 11
Employees who work for tips. Employees who received $20 or more in tips during June must report them to their employer using Form 4070.
July 13
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 6–8.
July 15
Employers. For those to whom the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit employment taxes and nonpayroll withholding for payments in June.
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 9–12.
July 20
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 13–15.
July 22
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 16–19.
July 27
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 20–22.
July 29
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 23–26.
July 31
Employers. Form 941, Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return, due for the second quarter of 2016.
August 3
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 27–29.
August 3
Employers. Semi-weekly depositors must deposit employment taxes for Jul 30–Aug 2.
Responding to growing concerns over the scope of tax-related identity theft, the House has approved legislation to give victims more information about the crime. The House also took up a bill expanding disclosure of taxpayer information in cases involving missing children and the Ways and Means Committee approved a bill impacting disclosures by exempt organizations.
Responding to growing concerns over the scope of tax-related identity theft, the House has approved legislation to give victims more information about the crime. The House also took up a bill expanding disclosure of taxpayer information in cases involving missing children and the Ways and Means Committee approved a bill impacting disclosures by exempt organizations.
Stolen identity refund fraud
Tax-related identity theft occurs when a criminal uses the personal identification of another to obtain a fraudulent refund. According to the IRS and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), tax-related identity theft continues to grow despite efforts to uncover and apprehend criminals. In 2014, the IRS estimated that it prevented the issuance of nearly $25 billion in fraudulent refunds. However, criminals obtained more than $5 billion in fraudulent refunds.
More often than not, individuals are unware they have been victims until they file their return and discover that a return has already been filed by an identity thief. In some cases, the IRS may send a letter to the taxpayer reporting that the agency identified a suspicious return using the individual’s personal information.
On May 19, the House approved the Stolen Identity Refund Fraud Prevention Act of 2016 (HR 3832). HR 3832 would require the IRS to notify victims of tax-related identity theft as soon as practicable that his or her personal information was used without authorization. The IRS also would be required to notify victims of tax-related identity theft of any criminal changes brought against the alleged identity thief.
Additionally, the bill would create a centralized point of contact for victims of identity theft. The centralized point of contact may be a team or subset of specially trained employees who can work across functions to resolve problems for the victim and who is accountable for handling the case to completion. The makeup of the team may change as required to meet IRS needs, but the procedures must ensure continuity of records and case history and may require notice to the taxpayer in appropriate instances.
The bill also would make willful misappropriation of a taxpayer’s identity for the purpose of making any return a felony. Under the bill, this offense would be punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a corporation), imprisonment for up to five years, or both, plus prosecution costs.
Disclosures
The House approved the bipartisan Recovering Missing Children Bill (HR 3209) on May 10. The bill amends the Tax Code to grant law enforcement access to taxpayer information while investigating missing and exploited children. Under Code Sec. 6103, return information is confidential.
Exempt organizations
The Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Bill (HR 5053) limits the contributor information that must be reported by a Code Sec. 501(c) on its annual return. Generally, the IRS may not require an exempt organization to report the name, address, or other identifying information of any contributor to the organization with respect to any contribution, grant, bequest, devise, or gift of money or property, regardless of amount. The bill is awaiting action by the full House after having been approved by the Ways and Means Committee.
If you have any questions about these or other pending bills, please contact our office.
Money spent to sell your company's product or service, or to develop goodwill in the community, can be deducted from business income. Advertising costs, like other ordinary and necessary business expenses, are generally deductible so long as the advertising expense is reasonably related to your trade or business. There are a few caveats, however, depending on the type of advertising and its expected usefulness. Take stock of your business advertising expenditures to maximize the benefits for your bottom line.
Advertising expenses
Direct advertising costs for ads targeted to a specific customer group are generally deductible. Certain indirect advertising costs are deductible as well. For example, business owners can deduct amounts paid to a merchant association, so long as the money is ultimately used for an advertising campaign within a certain geographic area. Promotional expenses incurred in developing goodwill for your business are deductible, just like money spent in gaining immediate sales. Even the cost of designing the advertising can be deducted.
Partial deduction and the "one-year rule"
Most advertising costs are deductible, even though the advertising may have some future effect on business activities. However, expenses are only partially deductible when the time period in which the business will benefit from the advertising definitely extends beyond the year in which the cost is incurred (the "one-year rule"). For example, the cost of permanent signage that is expected to last for more than one year must be capitalized. Any deduction must be spread out over the life-expectancy of the sign.
The "one-year rule" notwithstanding, some courts have held that advertising expenses can be deducted even when the expected benefits of advertising extend over a period of several years, provided the period of benefit is not definitely ascertainable. Two types of advertising that face the "one-year rule" are:
- Catalogs. A business can deduct the cost of producing and mailing trade catalogs if the useful life of the catalog is less than one year. A business must capitalize the costs of producing and mailing trade catalogs that have a useful life of greater than one year. Some courts, however, have allowed a full deduction in the year the catalog costs were incurred.
- Web site content. The costs of creating and installing internet web site content that has a useful life of less than one year is probably a currently deductible advertising expense. However, advertising elements that are displayed on a web site for more than one year may need to be capitalized. Long-lasting web site ads can be compared to billboards, which have been treated as capital assets since they have a useful life in excess of one year.
Goodwill advertising
Goodwill advertising - ads that spread the "good word" about your business rather than sell a particular product or service - are also deductible. The following expenses, among others, are deductible as goodwill advertising:
- Contributions to a qualifying charity;
- Civic activity expenses;
- Sponsorship of community organizations, like Little League; and
- Impartial public service advertising.
Goodwill advertising costs are deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses even though they have some effect beyond the current tax year.
Nondeductible advertising expenses
Not all advertising costs are tax deductible. If advertising or promotional expenses are not related to a taxpayer's trade, business or investments, then the expense is not eligible for a tax deduction. For example, promotional expenses incurred in setting up a new business because a new business is not an existing trade or business. Likewise, expenses incurred in recreational pursuits are not deductible as advertising expenses unless the company can show a sufficient relationship between the recreational activity and the business. However, there also may be a gray line between a "soft sell," which can be very effective at times, and expenses that do not put your business in enough of a spotlight to potential customers to qualify as a business expense.
ConclusionExample. Company K pays for a large public relations banner at a golf tournament. The banner announces Jim Smith's candidacy for president of the golf association. Jim is a Company K vice-president and principal shareholder. The banner, however, does not mention Company K or its services. Company K can't deduct the cost of the banner as an "advertising" expense because the expense was considered incurred to give personal publicity to the vice-president/shareholder, not publicity for the corporation. This is so even if becoming president of the golf association then puts Jim Smith in a great position to develop important business contacts.
Advertising expenses that are reasonably related to your trade or business are deductible in the year the costs were paid or incurred. This general rule holds true unless the expenses are capital expenditures, like billboards or other permanent signs. Some advertising expenses are only partially deductible on the current year's tax return if the promotional benefits last more than one year, like catalogs, web sites, or brochures with a shelf-life. There also are different rules that apply depending upon whether you are considered a "cash-basis" or an "accrual-basis" taxpayer by the IRS.
Figuring out what advertising costs are deductible, how much, and when can be complicated. Contact our office with your questions and concerns.
Parents typically encourage their children to save for college, for a house, or simply for a rainy day. A child's retirement, however, is a less common early savings goal. Too many other expenses are at the forefront. Yet, helping to plan for a youngster's retirement is a move that astute families are making. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for income-earning minors and young adults offer a head-start on life-long financial planning.
Parents typically encourage their children to save for college, for a house, or simply for a rainy day. A child's retirement, however, is a less common early savings goal. Too many other expenses are at the forefront. Yet, helping to plan for a youngster's retirement is a move that astute families are making. Individual retirement accounts (IRAs) for income-earning minors and young adults offer a head-start on life-long financial planning.
Traditional and Roth IRAs
Two types of individual retirement accounts are the traditional IRA and the Roth IRA. To contribute to an IRA account, whether it's a traditional or a Roth, an individual must have earned income. In general, the maximum amount that can be deposited in either type of IRA is $3,000 in 2004; $4,000 in 2005 through 2007.
Contributions to a traditional IRA are tax deductible. Amounts earned in a traditional IRA are not taxed until a distribution is made. If money is withdrawn from a traditional IRA before the individual reaches age 59 1/2, a 10 percent penalty applies to the principal. Mandatory withdrawals are required when the individual reaches age 70 1/2.
Contributions to Roth IRAs are not tax deductible, but all earnings are tax-free when the money is withdrawn from the account, if certain requirements are met. Tax-free withdrawals are a big advantage to the Roth IRA that will likely outweigh the lack of a tax deduction on contributions. Qualified distributions from a Roth IRA are not included in the individual's income if a five-year holding period and certain other requirements are met; otherwise, the 10 percent penalty applies. Unlike the traditional IRA, individuals can make contributions to a Roth IRA even after age 70 1/2.
Penalty flexibility
Both the traditional and the Roth IRAs offer some flexibility on the 10 percent penalty. Early withdrawals, without penalty, are allowed if the money is used for:
--College expenses;
--First home purchase (up to $10,000);
--Medical insurance in case of unemployment for a certain amount of time; or
--Expenses attributable to disability (Roth IRA).
Although designed for retirement planning, flexibility in how the money can be used makes IRAs very attractive for young family members.
Kid with a job
In order to contribute to an IRA, however, the child or young adult must have earned income. In other words, the kid needs a W-2, a 1099 or some other "proof" that wages were earned. Although occasional baby-sitting or lawn-mowing generally doesn't count, the money made on those jobs could qualify as earned income if adequate receipts and records are kept.
Working for the parents
Some moms and dads, who own their own businesses, are taking the "kiddy IRA" concept a step further: their sons and daughters come to work for the family business. The child earns income, making him or her eligible to contribute to an IRA. The parents, as their employers must pay employment tax and issue a W-2, but they can also make a business deduction for the child's wages, just like for any other employee. Parents should be mindful that the wage their child earns for the work performed is comparable to the going rate. If the child's wage is too large, the IRS will disallow the deduction.
Let's make a deal
The tough part of the plan may be getting the young person to "lock away" his or her hard-earned cash. After all, retirement is much harder to imagine compared to more pressing, front-burner issues like college expenses or a car. Some parents, however, are convincing their kids to put their earnings to work for their future in an IRA by promising to match their child's pay as an extra incentive to save. For example, if Susan earns $3,000, her dad promises to put $3,000 in her IRA. Susan keeps the money she made. There's no rule that restricts the origin of the IRA contribution, so long as the IRA owner earned at least that amount and the contribution doesn't exceed the cap for that year.
Conclusion
Individual retirement accounts for children and young adults are a growing part of family financial planning. A potential hazard, however, is that the money in the IRA belongs to the child. The child, or young adult, has the right to do whatever they wish with the IRA and its assets, including making a withdrawal for a new car or exotic trip. Parents do not "own" the IRA, even if they contributed the dollars as a match to their child's earnings. Families who utilize IRAs for their offspring will have to consider the risk and stress to the youngsters that the money is better off in the IRA. Through investing in an IRA, a young person's earnings from working part-time at the local ice cream parlor, or a summer job loading trucks, can have lasting effects.
Please feel free to contact this office for advice more specific to your family situation.
The bartering system is an ancient form of commerce that still thrives today. From livestock in exchange for grain, to legal advice in exchange for accounting services, money-less trades are still common. However, a major difference between bartering in antiquity versus modern American times is that the IRS wants in on the deal. Just because money does not change hands, does not mean that a traded good or service loses its value, or its taxability. And, unfortunately, the IRS won't accept a pig or a mule for its payment, making cash a necessary part of any barter arrangement when it's time to pay tax on it.
The bartering system is an ancient form of commerce that still thrives today. From livestock in exchange for grain, to legal advice in exchange for accounting services, money-less trades are still common. However, a major difference between bartering in antiquity versus modern American times is that the IRS wants in on the deal. Just because money does not change hands, does not mean that a traded good or service loses its value, or its taxability. And, unfortunately, the IRS won't accept a pig or a mule for its payment, making cash a necessary part of any barter arrangement when it's time to pay tax on it.
The IRS requires that the fair market value of bartered property or services be included in the recipient's income. In general, the value must be included in income in the same year the property or service is received. The income is typically reported on Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business) or Schedule C-EZ of Form 1040. However, depending on the item exchanged, you may have to use a different form, as illustrated below.
Services for goods
An accountant performs accounting services for a small company. In exchange for her work, the company gives her shares of its stock. The accountant must include the fair market value of the shares as part of her income and report it on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ (Form 1040) in the year she received them. In another example, a landlord trades three months rent-free use of a studio space in exchange for a custom-made stained-glass window. The landlord must report the value the stained-glass window as rental income on Schedule E (Supplemental Income and Loss). The glass artist must report the fair rental value of the studio space as income on Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ.
Goods for goods
A specialty produce farmer and a restaurant owner strike a deal. The farmer exchanges a specified amount of produce over the course of the growing season in exchange for a catered wedding reception for his youngest daughter. The farmer reports the value of the reception as income on Schedule F (Profit or Loss From Farming) and the restaurateur reports the value of the produce as income on Schedule C. In another scenario, a custom cabinetmaker and a welder exchanged furniture for an ornate gate. Both craftsmen would report their barter income on schedule C or C-EZ.
Barter credits
A landscaper, a travel agent, and an attorney are all members of barter club. The club members periodically exchange services. Each individual must report the value of services received on his or her Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ. Later, they decide to exchange their services for "credits" with each other. The value of the credits for future services must be reported as income at the time the credits are received, even if the bargained-for service is not delivered until a later date.
Organized barter exchange
A barter exchange is an organized group of individuals that contract with each other to trade or barter property or services on a commercial basis. Barter exchanges are required to file Form 1099-B for all transactions unless certain exceptions are met. For example, no 1099-B is required if there are fewer than 100 exchange transactions per year, or exchanged items have a fair market value of less than $1.00. Form 1099-B shows the value of cash, property, services, credits, or scrip you received from exchanges during the year. The IRS also gets a copy of the Form 1099.
State tax on barter transactions
State taxes also apply to barter transactions. The value of the traded property or service is included in the recipient's income for state tax purposes. Some states, however, base the tax calculation on the value of the receipt or the exchange, whichever is more clearly evident, if you do not keep good records of your barter transactions. In addition, some states allow greater flexibility than the IRS in valuing bartered goods and services.
In many parts of the country, residential property has seen steady and strong appreciation for some time now. In an estate planning context, however, increasing property values could mean a potential increase in federal estate tax liability for the property owner's estate. Many homeowners, who desire to pass their appreciating residential property on to their children and save federal estate and gift taxes at the same time, have utilized qualified personal residence trusts.
In many parts of the country, residential property has seen steady and strong appreciation for some time now. In an estate planning context, however, increasing property values could mean a potential increase in federal estate tax liability for the property owner's estate. Many homeowners, who desire to pass their appreciating residential property on to their children and save federal estate and gift taxes at the same time, have utilized qualified personal residence trusts.
What is a QPRT?
The qualified personal residence trust, referred to as a "QPRT," is an estate planning technique used to transfer a personal residence from one generation to the next without incurring federal estate tax on the trust property. This type of irrevocable trust allows a homeowner to make a future gift of the family home or a vacation property to his or her children, while retaining the right to continue living in the home for a term of years that the homeowner selects.
Creating a QPRT
The homeowner transfers title to his or her residence into trust for a set time period (for example, 10 years), but retains the right to live in the house during the trust term. At the end of the term, the trust property is distributed to the donor's children without passing through the donor's estate, thereby avoiding federal estate tax on the trust assets. However, if the donor wishes to continue living in the residence after the end of the trust term, the donor must pay fair market rent to his or her children, the new owners of the residence.
Gift tax advantage
Through the use of a QPRT, the full value of your residence can be transferred to your children. However, for federal gift tax purposes, the property is valued at a discount. The actual value of the gift (and the gift tax savings) depends upon your age, the length of the QPRT term, and the federal interest rates in effect at the time you transfer the house to the trust. For example, the longer the trust term, the lower the gift value for gift tax purposes and the greater the gift tax savings. Also, the higher the applicable federal interest rate, the greater the potential gift tax savings.
If you would like to discuss how a QPRT might work for you as part of your overall estate plan, or if you currently have an established QPRT and you wish to review its effect in light of current interest rates and other factors, please do not hesitate to contact this office.
Although taxes may take a back seat to the basic issue of whether refinancing saves enough money to be worthwhile, you should be aware of the basic tax rules that come into play. Sometimes, you can immediately deduct some of the costs of refinancing.
With mortgage rates at the lowest level in years, you may be debating whether to refinance your adjustable-rate or higher-interest fixed-rate mortgage to lock in what looks like a real bargain. Although taxes may take a back seat to the basic issue of whether refinancing saves enough money to be worthwhile, you should be aware of the basic tax rules that come into play. Sometimes, you can immediately deduct some of the costs of refinancing.
Boom in refinancing
Escalating home prices in many parts of the country have motivated many homeowners to refinance their existing mortgages. Many people are refinancing to secure cash for home improvements or to pay debts. These are often called "cash-out" refinancings because you receive cash back from the lender based upon the difference between the old and new mortgages.
Example. You have an existing mortgage of $195,000. Your home is valued at $325,000. You refinance and take a new mortgage for $225,000. You receive $30,000 from the lender and use the money to pay for home improvements.
Cash-out refinancings account for more than one-half of all refinancings. Some estimates pegged the value of "cash-out" refinancings at more than $100 billion in 2001.
Original mortgage points
The term "points" is used to describe certain charges paid, or treated as paid, by a borrower to obtain a mortgage. Generally, for individuals who itemize, points paid by a borrower at the time a home is purchased are immediately deductible as interest if they are charged solely for the use or forbearance of the lender's money. Points for this purpose include:
- Loan origination fees;
- Processing fees;
- Maximum loan charges; and
- Premium fees.
Amounts paid for services provided by the lender, however, are not deductible as interest. These services include:
- Appraisal fees;
- Credit investigation charges;
- Recording fees; and
- Inspection fees.
Refinancing points
Unlike points paid on an original mortgage, you cannot immediately deduct points paid for refinancing. However, if refinancing proceeds are used to refinance an existing mortgage and to pay for improvements, the portion of points attributable to the improvements is immediately deductible.
With interest rates so low, many homeowners are refinancing for the second or even third time. If you are refinancing for a second time, you may immediately deduct points paid and not yet deducted from the previously refinanced mortgage.
Example. You refinanced your home mortgage several years ago and used the proceeds to pay off your first mortgage. Your refinancing mortgage (loan #2) was a 30-year fixed-rate loan for $100,000. You paid three points ($3,000) on the refinancing. Because all of the loan proceeds were used to pay off the original mortgage and none were used to buy or substantially improve your home, all of the points on the refinancing loan must be deducted over the loan term. This year, you refinance again (loan #3) when there's a remaining (not-yet-deducted) points balance of $2,400 on loan #2. You can deduct the $2,400 as home mortgage interest on your 2003 return.
Deducting interest
Generally, home mortgage interest is any interest you pay on a loan secured by your home. The loan may be a first mortgage, a second mortgage, a line of credit, or a home equity loan.
The interest deduction for points is determined by dividing the points paid by the number of payments to be made over the life of the loan. Usually, this information is available from lenders. You may deduct points only for those payments made in the tax year.
Example. You paid $2,000 in points. You will make 360 payments on a 30-year mortgage. You may deduct $5.65 per monthly payment, or a total of $66.72, if you make 12 payments in one year.
Refinancing is anything but simple. There may be additional complications if there are several mortgages on your home or if you own a vacation home as well as a principal home. Please contact this office if you are considering refinancing now or in the near future.