Deductions and Write-Offs
The most frequently asked tax questions related to Deductions and Write-Offs
Bonus Depreciation
Asked Tuesday, February 07, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Bonus depreciation is an accelerated deduction in the first year purchase of an asset. It is an additional incentive to purchase business assets and considered a measure of relief for small businesses that want to buy additional equipment.
in 2013, 50% is allowed.
in 2013, 50% is allowed.
Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions
Fully Deductible Miscellaneous Itemized deductions
Asked Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Common fully deductible deductions not subject to the 2% AGI limitation are:
Amortizable premium on taxable bonds
Casualty and theft loss from income producing property
Estate taxes on income in respect of a decedent
Gambling losses, up to the amount of gambling winnings
Special job related expenses of the handicapped
Unrecovered cost of annuities on a decedent's final return
Amortizable premium on taxable bonds
Casualty and theft loss from income producing property
Estate taxes on income in respect of a decedent
Gambling losses, up to the amount of gambling winnings
Special job related expenses of the handicapped
Unrecovered cost of annuities on a decedent's final return
Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions
Deductions in excess of 2% of AGI floor
Asked Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Common deductions are:
Employee business expenses including travel, 50% of meals & entertainment, phone, small tools, supplies, professional subscriptions and books, home office deductions, depreciation on business use of auto's and equipment, small tools
Safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, steel tipped boots, goggles,
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Tax preparation and tax assistance fees
Union and professional dues
Job hunting
Tax preparation and tax assistance fees
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Seminar and Conferences that are business related
Appraisal fees on charitable donations
Credit card convenience fee for maintaining investments
Investment expenses
SEP,Simple,IRA custodial fees paid with funds outside the account
Legal fees for collecting taxable income
Loss on deposits in a bankrupt financial institution
Medical exams required by employers
Safe deposit box fees
Trust administration fees
Uniform purchase and maintenance if required and not suitable for street wear
Employee business expenses including travel, 50% of meals & entertainment, phone, small tools, supplies, professional subscriptions and books, home office deductions, depreciation on business use of auto's and equipment, small tools
Safety equipment such as hard hats, gloves, steel tipped boots, goggles,
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Tax preparation and tax assistance fees
Union and professional dues
Job hunting
Tax preparation and tax assistance fees
Educational expenses not claimed as a credit
Seminar and Conferences that are business related
Appraisal fees on charitable donations
Credit card convenience fee for maintaining investments
Investment expenses
SEP,Simple,IRA custodial fees paid with funds outside the account
Legal fees for collecting taxable income
Loss on deposits in a bankrupt financial institution
Medical exams required by employers
Safe deposit box fees
Trust administration fees
Uniform purchase and maintenance if required and not suitable for street wear
Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions
Nondeductible expenses
Asked Tuesday, January 31, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Common expenses are:
Work clothes suitable for street wear
Commuting expenses
Credit card fees or Interest
Club dues
Divorce Legal fees
Political contributions
Cost of entertaining friends
Telephone expenses of first main line
Tax exempt income expenses
Funeral expenses
Gambling losses in excess of gambling winnings
Hobby expenses in excess of hobby income
Homeowner's association assessments
Pet and animal expenses
Residence repairs and improvements
Residence Loss on Sale
Life Insurance
Parking tickets and fines
Work clothes suitable for street wear
Commuting expenses
Credit card fees or Interest
Club dues
Divorce Legal fees
Political contributions
Cost of entertaining friends
Telephone expenses of first main line
Tax exempt income expenses
Funeral expenses
Gambling losses in excess of gambling winnings
Hobby expenses in excess of hobby income
Homeowner's association assessments
Pet and animal expenses
Residence repairs and improvements
Residence Loss on Sale
Life Insurance
Parking tickets and fines
Bonus Depreciation
Asked Thursday, January 19, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
For qualified property acquired and placed in service in 2016, a 50% bonus first-year depreciation allowance applies under Code Sec. 168(k).,
Standard Mileage Rates - 2013
Asked Sunday, January 15, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Business 56.5 cents per mile
Charitable 14 cents per mile
Medical and Moving 24 cents per mile
Charitable 14 cents per mile
Medical and Moving 24 cents per mile
Are Points deductible?
Asked Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If Points qualify as mortgage interest they are deducted over the term of the lease unless they are paid as part of the purchase of your principal residence. Refinanced points are amortized over the life of the mortgage.
Mortgage interest - third home
Asked Tuesday, January 10, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Generally you may deduct on Form 1040 Schedule A qualifying mortgage interest on up to 2 residences as well as premiums paid for mortgage insurance.
A residence may be a coop unit, condominium, mobile home, houseboat, that has cooking, sleeping and toilet facilities.
Interest on debt secured on more than 2 residences may still be deductible if you use the proceeds for investment or business purposes.
A residence may be a coop unit, condominium, mobile home, houseboat, that has cooking, sleeping and toilet facilities.
Interest on debt secured on more than 2 residences may still be deductible if you use the proceeds for investment or business purposes.
Depreciation - cost basis for the asset’s purchased
Asked Tuesday, January 03, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Although you purchased a sole proprietorship for 1 amount, that amount must be allocated to the individual assets for depreciation purposes. Allocation is based on the proportion of the sales price to an individual assets fair market value at the time of the sale. Speak to your local CPA about the allocation formulas.