For married taxpayers, the implications of filing a joint or separate return extend beyond tax rates and the standard deduction. Like many aspects of income taxation, there is usually more than one approach to finding the optimal solution. We have listed some of the more common implications of filing either
January 15—Individual taxpayers’ final 2012 estimated tax payment is due unless Form 1040 is filed by January 31, 2013, and any tax due is paid with the return. January 31—Most employers must file Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return) to report Medicare, social security, and income taxes withheld
The political debate on federal tax reform touches many topics, including the tax deduction for interest on home mortgage loans. At the time of publication, there was no way to determine if this deduction will continue or at what level, but we thought it would be a good time to
Many taxpayers bought a second home, such as a vacation home, with the intention of later converting the second home into their principal residence. Under pre-2008 Housing Act law, those taxpayers could have excluded up to $250,000 ($500,000 for certain joint filers) upon a later sale of that former vacation
Variable annuity contract distributions generally contain two components, taxable income and nontaxable return of basis (investment). However, distributions received before the annuity starting date (nonannuity distributions) are likely to be less taxpayer-friendly. Initially, these generally consist entirely of taxable income until all of the annuity contract’s earnings have been distributed.
Individuals starting a new business or acquiring the assets of an existing business often incur start-up expenses, which can be considerable, in the investigation and acquisition phase before actual business operations begin. Most start-up expenditures can be segregated into two broad categories: (a) investigatory expenses and (b) business preopening costs.
Although we can’t escape death or taxes, we may be able to minimize the federal income taxes due on our final Form 1040. Filing a tax return after we die (we are then known as the “decedent”) is probably not something most of us think much about. But, a final
With many college and high school graduates still looking for jobs, we thought it would be a good time for a refresher on which expenses are and are not deductible in connection with landing that first post-graduation job. Job Search Expenses Expenses incurred by taxpayers when searching for new employment
One of the most popular tax deductions for individuals is the one allowed for donations to charitable organizations-from the local church or synagogue to the Red Cross and various other national organizations. Unfortunately, this deduction has also been among the most abused. Thus, perhaps it is not surprising that Congress
The current federal income tax environment remains favorable through December 31st. Here are some tax planning ideas to consider as we approach year-end. Leverage Standard Deduction by Bunching Deductible Expenditures. Are your 2012 itemized deductions likely to be just under or just over the standard deduction amount? If so, consider
