Casualty Losses

Are the costs associated with termite eradication deductible?

Asked Wednesday, September 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Probably not. Casualty losses must be from sudden, unexpected or unusual events. Termite damage is considered gradual and progressive, and therefore not deductible.
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Casualty Losses

Can I claim a casualty loss from my auto accident that totally demolished my car?

Asked Wednesday, September 27, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The amount of your unreimbursed loss may be deductible. The deductible calculation is reported on IRS Form 4684. The deduction would be the amount of the loss, minus any insurance reimbursements minus $100 minus 10% of your Adjusted Gross Income Limitation. If the accident was caused by your driving drunk, then the deduction is disallowed.
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Rental Expenses

Can I deduct all the fees I paid at my house closing as deductible points?

Asked Tuesday, September 26, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

No. You should receive a Form 1098 slip from your bank that itemizes your deductible mortgage interest and deductible points on your tax return.
Service fees such as commissions, appraisal fees, notary fees, abstract fees, recording fees are not considered points and not deductible in the current year.
These costs are added to the purchase price of the house to increase your basis. The acquisition costs, non-deductible closing costs, plus improvements over the years will be the cost basis used to determine any gain on the eventual sale of the residence.
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Taxes - My Tax Return

Can I claim my father-in-law who lives with me as a dependent?

Asked Monday, September 25, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

There are five dependency tests that all must be met before you can claim a person as a dependent on your tax return.
The relationship, gross income, support, residence and joint return tests. Your father-in-law would qualify in the relationship test.
The relationship test includes child, adopted child, grandchild, stepchild, great-grandchild, brother or sister, son or daughter-in-law, father of mother-in-law, brother or sister-in-law, grand-parent, step-parent, stepbrother or stepsister, half-brother of half-sister, and blood relatives of uncle, aunt, niece or nephew.
Also included as a dependent is a foster child if he or she is a member of your household for the entire year except for temporary absence. Speak to your local CPA if you have a question about the relationship or the other four qualifying tests of claiming someone as a dependent on your tax return.
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Rental Expenses

Are the travel costs I incur to monitor my rental property deductible?

Asked Saturday, September 23, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Yes. Expenses incurred in managing investment property are deductible even if the property is not currently producing income. You will list this deduction on Schedule E, part I expense line for auto and travel.
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Rental Expenses

Are the costs for improving and repairing my house deductible?

Asked Saturday, September 23, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

No. House repairs and improvements on a personal residence are not deductible in the year paid.
While the repairs are not deductible, the improvements should be added to the residence basis to be used in the eventual gain or loss on the sale of the residence calculation.
Generally, residence basis would be the initial cost plus improvements from inception. Generally, Costs for improving and repairing your rental property are deductible in the year expensed.
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Taxes - My Tax Return

Are the unemployment checks I receive reportable on my tax return?

Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Yes. Unemployment benefits are fully taxable and should be included on your personal tax return.
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Miscellaneous Income

Severance pay

Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Severance or dismissal pay received upon termination is taxable, even if a signed waiver releasing the employer from future damage claims was given to the employer.
Payments made for personal injury damages are non-taxable.
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Miscellaneous Income

Cash and Property received

Asked Friday, September 22, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The property is considered taxable wages and reportable at its fair market value. Generally receipt of company stock as payment for services is included in taxable wages in the year it is received by employee.
If restrictions apply to the stock, it is not includable.
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