Ask a CPA
The most frequently asked tax questions, answered by our network of licensed accountants.
Can't find the answer to your question? Ask a tax question.
College Planning & Financial Aid
In the college application process , what is a Master Promissory Note ?
Asked Monday, November 13, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The Master Promissory Note has replaced the Stafford Loan Application Promissory Note. It is a legally binding document that sets the terms of your student loans. By signing the Master Promissory Note It becomes a legally binding document that sets the terms of your student loans. By signing the Master Promissory Note you are promising to repay your student loan. This is regardless of whether you graduate or are satisfied with your education. You are promising to repay your student loan regardless of whether you graduate or are satisfied with the education you received.
College Planning & Financial Aid
In the college application process , is the Master Promissory Note my loan application ?
Asked Monday, November 13, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
No. Unlike the previous Stafford Loan Application Promissory Note, the Master Promissory Note is simply the promissory note. Rather than completing a separate application, you begin the loan process each year by answering "yes" to the question on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that asks if you are interested in student loans. The financial aid office will advise you of any additional steps they require in the application process such as completing a loan request or loan information form.
College Planning & Financial Aid
In the college application process , do I have to sign the Master Promissory Note each year ?
Asked Monday, November 13, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If your school is authorized by the Department of Education, and uses the Master Promissory Note as a multi year note, you will only have to sign the note once as long as you don't change lenders. If you attend a two year or proprietary school, you will need to complete the Master Promissory Note each year. If your Master Promissory Note exceeds 10 years, you must sign a new Master Promissory Note.
When my divorce is finalized, what is my filing status?
Asked Sunday, November 12, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
In the year you are divorced you must file as single or head of household if you have a child living with you.
Why does my ex- spouse include my social security number on his tax return?
Asked Sunday, November 12, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If your ex-spouse is deducting alimony payments to you, he is required to include your social security number on his return to claim the deduction. The IRS will cross reference your return with his to make sure you include the alimony received on your return.
I choose not to deduct alimony payments, can my ex- spouse not report the income?
Asked Sunday, November 12, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Yes. By mutual agreement one spouse can forego the deduction for alimony and the other spouse can receive the benefit of not being required to pay taxes on the alimony received.
Investments & Financial Planning
What are EE bonds?
Asked Sunday, November 12, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
These bonds refer to U.S. Government bonds. All U.S. government bonds are tax exempt on the state tax return. These bonds are tax deferred as well and earn interest for 30 years. You do not report the income until you turn the bonds in. They can be rolled into HH bonds. EE bonds are bought at half their face value.
College Planning & Financial Aid
I heard there is some advantage to owning EE or I bonds?
Asked Sunday, November 12, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Both EE and I US government bonds are eligible for an education tax break. However certain restrictions limit their applicability. Interest on all I or EE bonds are free from income tax if you use it to pay for college expenses and your income in the year you cash in the bonds falls within certain limits. As of January 1, 2012, paper savings bonds will no longer be sold at financial institutions. This action supports Treasury’s goal to increase the number of electronic transactions with citizens and businesses.
Investments & Financial Planning
What is the most amount of EE bonds I can buy a year?
Asked Sunday, November 12, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
You are limited to $10,000 a year.
Investments & Financial Planning
What is the difference between HH and EE bonds ?
Asked Sunday, November 12, 2000 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
HH U.S. government bonds are designed for people who want current income. The interest is paid semi-annually and is federally taxable. EE bond interest is tax deferred until cashed in.