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How do I calculate the IRS's Mandatory Required Distribution
Asked Thursday, February 23, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Minimum distributions must be made by April 1 the year after the year you turn 70 and a half.
After the first distribution, minimum distributions must be made by December 31 each year.
Step 1 is to Access the proper life expectancy table. Life expectancy tables are in Appendix C of IRS PUBLICATION 590. Table 1 is for use by one beneficiary. Table 2 is for IRA owners whose spouse is more than 10 years younger than the owner and the spouse is the sole beneficiary. Table 3 is for anyone else.
Step 2 is to Find the appropriate life expectancy amount to determine distribution period.
Step 3 is to Divide the IRA account balance from December 31 of the prior year by the distribution period to calculate the minimum distribution for the period.
After the first distribution, minimum distributions must be made by December 31 each year.
Step 1 is to Access the proper life expectancy table. Life expectancy tables are in Appendix C of IRS PUBLICATION 590. Table 1 is for use by one beneficiary. Table 2 is for IRA owners whose spouse is more than 10 years younger than the owner and the spouse is the sole beneficiary. Table 3 is for anyone else.
Step 2 is to Find the appropriate life expectancy amount to determine distribution period.
Step 3 is to Divide the IRA account balance from December 31 of the prior year by the distribution period to calculate the minimum distribution for the period.
Fellowship payments - IRS Publications
Asked Thursday, February 23, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If you are a U. S. citizen or resident for tax purposes, who received fellowship amounts for studying, teaching or researching in the U. S., then see IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, which is available at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p970/index.html
If you are a U. S. citizen or resident alien for tax purposes, who received fellowship amounts for studying, teaching or researching outside the U. S., then see Publication 54, Tax Guide for U. S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, which is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf.
If you are a nonresident alien for U. S. tax purposes, who received fellowship amounts for studying, teaching or researching in the U. S., then see Publication 519, U. S. Tax Guide for Aliens, which is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf.
If you are a U. S. citizen or resident alien for tax purposes, who received fellowship amounts for studying, teaching or researching outside the U. S., then see Publication 54, Tax Guide for U. S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad, which is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p54.pdf.
If you are a nonresident alien for U. S. tax purposes, who received fellowship amounts for studying, teaching or researching in the U. S., then see Publication 519, U. S. Tax Guide for Aliens, which is available at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p519.pdf.
Are Fellowship payments taxable?
Asked Thursday, February 23, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Fellowship amounts are nontaxable where:
The recipient is an individual, who is a candidate for a degree at an educational organization (i.e., undergraduates or graduate students, but not post graduate); and
The fellowship amount is used for "qualified tuition and related expenses."
Qualified tuition and related expenses include tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student at an educational institution, This would include fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational organization.
Fellowship amounts are taxable where:
Amounts are used for room, board, travel, clerical help, equipment, incidental living expenses and other expenses not required for enrollment in or attendance at the University.
The recipient is an individual, who is a candidate for a degree at an educational organization (i.e., undergraduates or graduate students, but not post graduate); and
The fellowship amount is used for "qualified tuition and related expenses."
Qualified tuition and related expenses include tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of a student at an educational institution, This would include fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction at such an educational organization.
Fellowship amounts are taxable where:
Amounts are used for room, board, travel, clerical help, equipment, incidental living expenses and other expenses not required for enrollment in or attendance at the University.
Hearing Aids
Asked Thursday, February 23, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
You can include in medical itemized deductions subject to the 7.5% limitation the cost of a hearing aid plus its batteries, repairs and maintenance needed to operate it.
Teeth Whitening
Asked Thursday, February 23, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Teeth Whitening is not deductible even if performed by a dentist.
Energy Credit
Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
In 2013, A taxpayer is allowed a 10-percent nonbusiness energy property credit for the purchase of qualified energy efficiency improvements to existing homes
There is a limitation of $500 on the total amount of nonbusiness energy property credit that may be claimed. This limitation is a lifetime limitation, not an annual limitation.
This credit was to expire with respect to any property placed in service after December 31, 2011. ATRA, Sec. 401, extends the availability of the credit to property placed in service before January 1, 2014.
In 2013 are 30% tax credits on large energy installation projects that are geared towards environmental aware taxpayers. They include geothermal heat pumps (no upper limit, both principal residences & second homes apply). Solar energy systems (no upper limit, both principal residences & second homes apply). Small wind turbines (no upper limit, both principal residences & second homes apply). Fuel cells (up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity and for Principal residences only).
There is a limitation of $500 on the total amount of nonbusiness energy property credit that may be claimed. This limitation is a lifetime limitation, not an annual limitation.
This credit was to expire with respect to any property placed in service after December 31, 2011. ATRA, Sec. 401, extends the availability of the credit to property placed in service before January 1, 2014.
In 2013 are 30% tax credits on large energy installation projects that are geared towards environmental aware taxpayers. They include geothermal heat pumps (no upper limit, both principal residences & second homes apply). Solar energy systems (no upper limit, both principal residences & second homes apply). Small wind turbines (no upper limit, both principal residences & second homes apply). Fuel cells (up to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity and for Principal residences only).
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
If you pay someone to watch your child(ren)under age 13 to enable you (and your spouse if you are filing a joint tax return)to work, then you will be able to claim a Child Care Credit for the costs you pay subject to certain limitations on Form 2441.
You will have to supply to the IRS on Form 2441 the care provider's name, address and social security or EIN number.
You will have to supply to the IRS on Form 2441 the care provider's name, address and social security or EIN number.
Additional Child Tax Credit
Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
This credit is for certain individuals who get less than the full amount of the child tax credit. The additional child tax credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax.
American Opportunity Credit
Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A credit is available up to $2,500 per student for the first 4 years of higher education for tuition, course related books, activity fees and any equipment that must be purchased from the educational institution as a condition of enrollment. Room & Board expenses do not qualify.
The credit begins to phase out for single taxpayers who have adjusted gross income between $80,000 and $90,000 and for joint tax filers when adjusted gross income is between $160,000 and $180,000. The credit is unavailable to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds the $90,000 and $180,000 thresholds.
The credit begins to phase out for single taxpayers who have adjusted gross income between $80,000 and $90,000 and for joint tax filers when adjusted gross income is between $160,000 and $180,000. The credit is unavailable to taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds the $90,000 and $180,000 thresholds.
Credits - Refundable
Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Refundable tax credits include:
Earned Income Credit
Excess Social Security Credit
Additional Child Tax Credit
American Opportunity Credit - partially refundable
Adoption Credit First-time Homebuyer Credit
Health Coverage Tax Credit
Earned Income Credit
Excess Social Security Credit
Additional Child Tax Credit
American Opportunity Credit - partially refundable
Adoption Credit First-time Homebuyer Credit
Health Coverage Tax Credit