Residence My Home

I sold my residence. How much is taxable and how do I report it?

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

A married couple owned and have lived in their principal residence for at least two years during the past 5 years period ending on the date of sale, filing a joint return can exclude up to $500,000 and a non-joint return can exclud $250,000.
Form 2119 (sale of residence) has been discontinued by the IRS. The taxable gain after the exclusion will be reported on Schedule D.
You cannot deduct a loss on the sale of your residence.
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Earned Income Credit

Earned Income Credit - Age requirement

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Although you meet the income and dependent criteria, in order to claim the credit you must be at least 25 and under 65 years of age as of the end of the tax year.
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Itemized/Standard Deduction

Job hunting expenses

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Expenses that result from looking for a new job in a taxpayers's present line of work are tax deductible even if a new job is not found.
However, expenses of looking for a new job in a new trade or business, even if a job is found, are not deductible. Also, expenses incurred for a recent college graduate looking for his/hers first job are not deductible.
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Itemized/Standard Deduction

Standard deduction

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The standard deduction is $12,600 for married couples filing a joint return and qualifying widow's plus $1,250 once they reach age 65
$6,300 for singles and married individuals filing separately plus 1,550 once they reach age 65,
$9,300 for heads of household plus $1,550 once they reach 65,
Nearly two out of three taxpayers take the standard deduction, rather than itemizing deductions with expenses such as mortgage interest, real estate taxes, charitable contributions, medical expenses and state and local taxes.
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Dependents & Exemptions

What is the amount of the Personal Exemption allowed ?

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The 2013 Personal Exemption amount is $3,900 per exemption.
The 2012 Personal Exemption amount is $3,800 per exemption.
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Divorce & Marriage Issues

Do I always get to deduct the total gross amount of my itemized deductions ?

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

For 2011, there is no phase-out of itemized deductions regardless of your adjusted gross income. The same no phase-out rule will apply to 2012.
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Medical Expenses

Air conditioner purchase

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The cost of purchasing an air conditioner is deductible (as part of your medical itemized deductions subject to the 7.5% AGI limitation)only if your doctor signifies that it is necessary for your relief from allergies or other respiratory ailments.
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Medical Expenses

Eyeglasses or contact lens payments

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Eye exams, eyeglasses and contact lens, including equipment and materials for using contacts ,such as saline solutions and enzyme cleaners, can be listed as a medical itemized deduction on IRS Schedule A limited by the 10% / 7.5% AGI limitation..
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Medical Expenses

Alcoholism or drug rehabilitation

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Inpatient treatment and expenses for meals and lodging at a treatment center for alcohol or drug addiction are a medical itemized deduction.
Also transportation to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are deductible.
They are reportable on IRS Schedule A limited to the 10% / 7.5% AGI limitation.
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Medical Expenses

Liposuction , nose jobs , hair transplants or breast reductions

Asked Monday, September 11, 2000 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Generally cosmetic surgery is not deductible. However, Cosmetic surgery that is necessary to improve a deformity from a accident or disease is deductible.
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