Personal Taxes

The rental allowance is tax free if the entire amount is used to pay rent and utilities. The church must officially designate the minster's compensation as rental allowance for it to be considered tax free. Retired ministers also qualify if the allowance is furnished in recognition of past services.

The rental allowance is tax free if the entire amount is used to pay rent and utilities. The synagogue must officially designate the rabbi's compensation as rental allowance for it to be considered tax free. Retired rabbis also qualify if the allowance is furnished in recognition of past services.

No. You cannot exchange U.S. real estate for real estate in a foreign country tax free. A person will not have to pay taxes on gains realized on "like kind" exchanges of investment or business property.

Report your like kind exchange on IRS Form 8824.

On Form 1040, your income tax liability is calculated on your "Taxable Income". Taxable Income is your Adjusted Gross Income, minus either your (itemized or standard deduction) minus the deduction for your personal exemptions. In 2011 it is located on IRS Form 1040 line 43.

No. Your pre-move house hunting expenses, temporary living expenses or expenses of selling, purchasing or leasing the old or new residence, are not deductible as moving expenses. Any meal costs while traveling to your new residence are not deductible.

Yes. Taxpayers who own or operate businesses may be eligible for the following tax incentives: Business tax credits named the Work opportunity tax credit, and the Disabled Access credit. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit used to reduce the federal tax liability of private-for-profit employers. Employers can hire from 9 different targeted groups: Qualified TANF Recipients, Qualified Veterans, Qualified Ex-Felons, Qualified Designated Community Residents (DCR), Qualified Vocational Rehabilitation Referrals, Qualified Summer Youth, Qualified Food Stamp Recipients, Qualified Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients Qualified Long-Term Family Assistance Recipients.

The Telefile system is an interactive computer program that calculates your taxes and begins the electronic filing process over the phone. The IRS automatically sends taxpayers a special Telefile package to those who may be eligible to use it. Generally, teenagers and students are Telefiler candidates. Only those receiving the package can use the Telefiler system. Telefile is available 24 hours a day and requires nothing to be mailed in.

If you suspect or know of an individual or company that is not complying with the tax laws, you may report this activity by completing Form 3949-A. You may fill out Form 3949-A online, print it and mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Fresno, CA 93888. If you do not wish to use Form 3949-A, you may send a letter to the address above. Include the following information, if available: Name and address of the person you are reporting. The taxpayer identification number (social security number for an individual or employer identification number for a business) A brief description of the alleged violation, including how you became aware of or obtained the information. The years involved and the estimated dollar amount of any unreported income. Your name, address and daytime telephone number