Energy Credit

Energy Credit

Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA 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).
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Credits

Energy Credit

Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA 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).
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Credits

Child and Dependent Care Credit

Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA 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.
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Credits

Additional Child Tax Credit

Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA 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.
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Credits

American Opportunity Credit

Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA 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.
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Credits

Credits - Refundable

Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA 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
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Can I Deduct?

Psychiatric, Psychoanalysis or Psychologist payments

Asked Tuesday, February 21, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

You can deduct as a medical itemized deduction subject to the 10% / 7.5% limitation the costs you paid for Psychiatric, Psychoanalysis or Psychologist for medical care.
You cannot include payments for Psychoanalysis that is part of required training to be a Psychoanalyst.
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Caregivers Helping Relatives

Can both my sister and myself claim my dad as a dependent?

Asked Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

In the case where there are siblings as shared caregivers of one elderly parent, , only one sibling can take the exemption for the parent. An agreement needs to be reached yearly as to which sibling will take the exemption on their return. The sibling taking the exemption will need to file Form 2120, Multiple Support Declaration, and have all of the other siblings sign the form claiming that they will not take the exemption on their own return.
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Caregivers Helping Relatives

Are there any mistakes to avoid when doing taxes as related to Caregivers?

Asked Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Family Caregivers must make sure that the parent or relative they are claiming as a dependent deduction has not claimed themselves as a dependent on their own tax return or that no one else has claimed them. You cannot take a dependency deduction for anyone who has claimed themselves on their own tax return. Caregiver s should obtain a copy of the parent or relative’s tax return before filing their return .
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Caregivers Helping Relatives

Are there any credits available for Caregivers?

Asked Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

A Caregiver that can claim a parent or relative as a dependent may also be eligible for the Child & Dependent Care Credit .
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