Deductions and Write-Offs
The most frequently asked tax questions related to Deductions and Write-Offs
Phase-out of itemized deductions
Asked Wednesday, January 15, 2014 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
There is a phase-out of itemized deductions for taxpayers with AGI above $259,400 (individual filers), $311,300 (MFJ) and $285,350 for head of households.
The total reduction can not be more than 80% of the gross itemized deductions.
The total reduction can not be more than 80% of the gross itemized deductions.
2014 Gift Tax Exclusion
Asked Wednesday, January 15, 2014 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The annual exclusion for gifts remains at $14,000 for 2014.
Mileage Rate (per mile) deduction - 2014
Asked Wednesday, January 15, 2014 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Beginning on January 1, 2014, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:
56 cents per mile for business miles driven
23.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations
Depreciation - Race Horses
Asked Thursday, January 31, 2013 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Bonus depreciation on purchases of race horses was reinstated in 2013 at 50%, which was the 2012 rate. The expense allowance was increased to $500,000 for this year and retroactively increased from $125,000 to $500,000 for horses purchased in 2012.
Accelerated depreciation for young racehorses continues through 2013.
Taxpayers can depreciate racehorses that are 24 months and younger when purchased and placed in service using a three-year schedule rather than the previous seven-year schedule.
Accelerated depreciation for young racehorses continues through 2013.
Taxpayers can depreciate racehorses that are 24 months and younger when purchased and placed in service using a three-year schedule rather than the previous seven-year schedule.
Mortgage Insurance Premiums deducted as Residence Interest
Asked Tuesday, January 15, 2013 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
ATRA, extends this treatment to amounts paid or accrued before January 1, 2014 (and not properly allocable to any period after 2013).,Br>
Taxpayers can treat amounts paid during the year for qualified mortgage insurance as qualified residence interest.
To qualify for this treatment, the insurance must be in connection with acquisition debt for a qualified residence, and the insurance contract must have been issued after 2006.
To qualify for this treatment, the insurance must be in connection with acquisition debt for a qualified residence, and the insurance contract must have been issued after 2006.
Transportation assistance - 2013
Asked Thursday, April 05, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Transportation assistance. If you provide certain transportation fringe benefits, changes are afoot. The limit on the value for monthly free parking will rise to $245 (up from $240), while the limit on monthly transit passes and vanpooling will be $245 . Bicycling assistance will stay at $20 per month.
Do payments to my granchild's education reduce the annual gift tax exclusion of $14,000
Asked Saturday, March 10, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Contributions to your grandson's tuition directly does not reduce the annual gift tax exclusion of $14,000 ($13,000 in 2012). The gift tax exclusion for paying another's tuition or medical expenses directly is unlimited.
Long term Care Insurance
Asked Tuesday, February 28, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Premiums paid for long-term care insurance are deductible as a medical itemized .
The deduction is limited based on the taxpayer’s age: $360 can be deducted for people 40 and under, $680 for those who are 41-50, $1360 for taxpayers age 51-60, $3,640 for age 61-70 and $4,550 for those older than 70.
Each spouse is treated separately if both can claim the deduction.
The deduction is limited based on the taxpayer’s age: $360 can be deducted for people 40 and under, $680 for those who are 41-50, $1360 for taxpayers age 51-60, $3,640 for age 61-70 and $4,550 for those older than 70.
Each spouse is treated separately if both can claim the deduction.
Hotel Costs for spouse's Cancer treatment
Asked Tuesday, February 28, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The cost of lodging you (or anyone accompanying a patient like a parent or spouse) stay in while away from home for medical care is deductible, up to a maximum of $50 per person per night. Note that you can deduct the cost of the hotel room, but not the food bill.