Educational Tax Benefits

What is an Educational IRA ?

Asked Wednesday, December 13, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

An Educational IRA is a custodial account or a trust set up for the purpose of paying the qualified higher educational expenses of the designated beneficiary of the account.
The designated beneficiary must be a child under age 18. In general higher educational expenses include tuition, fees, books, supplies and room and board for at least half-time attendance.
You may contribute up to $2,000 each year.
The contributions are not tax deductible.
For the current year, an individual may contribute to a child’s educational IRA if those individuals Modified Adjusted Gross Income is not more than $ 110,000 ($220,000 for a married filing joint return).
There is a phase out if the MAGI is between $95,000 and $110,000 for non-joint filers and between $190,000 and $220,000 for joint filers. Amounts in the account accumulate tax-free until distribution.
Distribution of the contribution is always tax-free and the earnings on the contribution are tax free if less than or equal to the years educational expenses.
If more than the educational expense then a pro rata calculation is required. The assets in the account must be withdrawn by the age of 30. No contribution amount may be made in any year who also contributes to a qualified state tuition program on behalf of the same beneficiary.
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Home Office Expenses

Can I claim a Home Office deduction ?

Asked Wednesday, December 13, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Taxpayers are entitled to deduct any expenses for using their homes for business purposes if the expenses are attributable to a portion of the home or separate structure used Exclusively and On A Regular Basis as the principal place of any business carried on by the taxpayer (occasional use is not sufficient) or a place of business that is used by clients, customers, patients, in meeting or dealing with the taxpayer in the normal course of business. If the taxpayer is an employee, the business use of the home must also be for the convenience of the employer. A home office deduction may be claimed if the taxpayer regularly and exclusively uses part of the home for conducting the administrative or management activities of the business. Home office expenses may include real estate taxes, mortgage interest and operating expenses such as insurance and utilities and also depreciation. Home office deductions may be limited. The allowed deduction is calculated and reported on IRS Form 8829 and then transferred to the taxpayers Schedule C. There are certain tax consequences of claiming a office in the home deduction. A consequence occurs when the taxpayer sells his residence. Current law allows a $500,000 exclusion on the sale of a residence ($250,000 for non joint returns). If a residence is sold with a home office, the gross sales price must be apportioned over the residence and the business office. A taxable gain on the sale may occur. If a residence is sold without a home office the full exclusion may be taken. Some CPA's suggest not claiming a office in your home for the two years prior to the sale of the residence. Speak to your local CPA about your specific circumstances to work out a strategy that works for you.
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Small Business Services

Can I claim a Home Office deduction ?

Asked Wednesday, December 13, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Taxpayers are entitled to deduct any expenses for using their homes for business purposes if the expenses are attributable to a portion of the home or separate structure used Exclusively and On A Regular Basis as the principal place of any business carried on by the taxpayer (occasional use is not sufficient) or a place of business that is used by clients, customers, patients, in meeting or dealing with the taxpayer in the normal course of business. If the taxpayer is an employee, the business use of the home must also be for the convenience of the employer. A home office deduction may be claimed if the taxpayer regularly and exclusively uses part of the home for conducting the administrative or management activities of the business. Home office expenses may include real estate taxes, mortgage interest and operating expenses such as insurance and utilities and also depreciation. Home office deductions may be limited. The allowed deduction is calculated and reported on IRS Form 8829 and then transferred to the taxpayers Schedule C. There are certain tax consequences of claiming an office in the home deduction. A consequence occurs when the taxpayer sells his residence. Current law allows $500,000 exclusion on the sale of a residence ($250,000 for non-joint returns). If a residence is sold with a home office, the gross sales price must be apportioned over the residence and the business office. A taxable gain on the sale may occur. If a residence is sold without a home office the full exclusion may be taken. Some CPA's suggest not claiming an office in your home for the two years prior to the sale of the residence. Speak to your local CPA about your specific circumstances to work out a strategy that works for you.
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Business Start-ups

Can I claim a Home Office deduction ?

Asked Wednesday, December 13, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Taxpayers are entitled to deduct any expenses for using their homes for business purposes if the expenses are attributable to a portion of the home or separate structure used Exclusively and On A Regular Basis as the principal place of any business carried on by the taxpayer (occasional use is not sufficient) or a place of business that is used by clients, customers, patients, in meeting or dealing with the taxpayer in the normal course of business. If the taxpayer is an employee, the business use of the home must also be for the convenience of the employer. A home office deduction may be claimed if the taxpayer regularly and exclusively uses part of the home for conducting the administrative or management activities of the business. Home office expenses may include real estate taxes, mortgage interest and operating expenses such as insurance and utilities and also depreciation. Home office deductions may be limited. The allowed deduction is calculated and reported on IRS Form 8829 and then transferred to the taxpayers Schedule C. There are certain tax consequences of claiming a office in the home deduction. A consequence occurs when the taxpayer sells his residence. Current law allows a $500,000 exclusion on the sale of a residence ($250,000 for non joint returns). If a residence is sold with a home office, the gross sales price must be apportioned over the residence and the business office. A taxable gain on the sale may occur. If a residence is sold without a home office the full exclusion may be taken. Some CPA's suggest not claiming a office in your home for the two years prior to the sale of the residence. Speak to your local CPA about your specific circumstances to work out a strategy that works for you.
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Medical Expenses

Jenny Craig weight loss payments

Asked Tuesday, December 12, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Weight-loss programs are not deductible unless related to a specific medical condition and recommended by your doctor.
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Small Business Services

What is the IRS phone number to get a Federal ID Number ?

Asked Tuesday, December 12, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

You should initially apply online. Go to www.irs.gov/businesses and click on employer ID numbers. Your local IRS service center can also assist you in getting a Federal EIN. The phone number is 1-800-829-4933:
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Where/How Do I File?

What is the IRS phone number to get a Federal ID Number ?

Asked Tuesday, December 12, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

You should initially apply online. Go to www.irs.gov/businesses and click on employer ID numbers. Your local IRS service center can also assist you in getting a Federal EIN. The phone number is 1-800-829-4933:
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Employee Business Expense

Subcontractor Income

Asked Tuesday, December 12, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Generally your freelance job will issue you 1099-MISC slips for earnings more than $600. The gross amount of your freelance jobs should be reported on IRS Schedule C along with the corresponding expenses.
The net amount of this business income is subject to Federal tax and Social security taxes.
The federal tax will be calculated on the tax bracket you fall into
Also, the net amount of your business multiplied at .9235 multiplied at .133 will equal your social security tax.
If wages exist the social security tax may be reduced. This calculation is done on IRS Schedule SE.
The net business income will be subject to state tax depending on your state. Speak to your local CPA about the tax consequences of your freelance job(s).
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Small Business Services

How do I calculate the amount of tax owed on my freelance secretarial job ?

Asked Tuesday, December 12, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Generally your freelance job will issue you 1099-MISC slips for earnings more than $600. The gross amount of your freelance jobs should be reported on IRS Schedule C along with the corresponding expenses. The net amount of this business income is subject to Federal tax and Social security taxes. The federal tax will be calculated on the tax bracket you fall into Also, the net amount of your business multiplied at .9235 multiplied at .133 will equal your social security tax. If wages exist the social security tax may be reduced. This calculation is done on IRS Schedule SE. The net business income will be subject to state tax depending on your state. Speak to your local CPA about the tax consequences of your freelance job(s).).
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Small Business Services

How do I complain about the IRS actions in relation to my small business ?

Asked Monday, December 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Talk to Taxpayer Advocate. The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an independent organization within the IRS. They help taxpayers whose problems with the IRS are causing financial difficulties; who have tried but have not been able to resolve their problems with the IRS; and those who believe an IRS system or procedure is not working as it should.. You can call your local advocate, whose number is in your phone book, in Pub. 1546, Taxpayer Advocate Service – at www.irs.gov/advocate or You can also call 1-877-777-4778 or 1-877-777-4778 . Call or write to the IRS. Keep records of all of your attempts to contact an agent. Fill out IRS Form 911 if you cannot resolve conflict or find resolution through an IRS agent. File a complaint with the Inspector General if you need to report cases of fraud or corruption by an IRS employee.
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