Ask a CPA

No. If you make a contribution to a college and receive the right to buy football tickets, then the amount of the contribution is limited to 80% of the contribution to the school. The deduction is allowed only to the extent that you received the right to purchase the tickets rather than the ticket costs themselves.

The amount of foster parent expenses that exceed the payments from a state agency can be deducted as a charitable contribution on IRS Schedule A.

The fees paid for appraisal of donated property, such as real estate or art, are deductible as a miscellaneous deduction on IRS Schedule A subject to the 2% limitation.

There are 50%, 30% and 20% ceiling amounts allowed based on your adjusted gross income.
The amount of the contribution and the type of cash or property donation, will determine the current year allowed amount. Any amount limited in the current year can be carried over during the next 5 years.
In general, cash and ordinary income property and capital gain property held less than 12 months would be considered 50% property.
Speak to your local CPA about the deductibility of your contributions.

If the additional costs you incurred on your business trip were because your boss extended over a weekend to take advantage of a reduced airfare, they are deductible on either IRS Schedule C, Schedule 2106 or as a miscellaneous itemized deduction on Schedule A.

Yes. If a business discussion occurs before, during or after the meal, then the costs of entertaining clients or business customers at your home is deductible. You should always keep a business diary listing the location, customers' names, business discussed and the date to substantiate your business expenses.

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.

If he is not a full-time student, then you may not claim him as a dependent. There are 5 dependency tests to qualify as a dependent. The gross income test for dependents applies to those 19 or older and not a full-time student under age 24. The gross income he is allowed to earn is $3,900 or less for tax year 2013.

If the other 4 of the 5 mandatory dependency tests are met, and if she is a full time student, then you may claim her as a dependent. There are 5 dependency tests needed to qualify as a dependent. The gross income test for dependents applies to dependents 19 or older and not a full time student under age 24. If she was not a full-time student, the gross income she is allowed to earn is $3,900 or less for tax year 2013.

There are 5 dependency tests to qualify as a dependent. The gross income test for dependents only applies to dependents 19 or older and not a full time student under age 24. If the other 4 dependency tests are met he does qualify.