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.
Are there any credits available for Caregivers?
Asked Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A Caregiver that can claim a parent or relative as a dependent may also be eligible for the Child & Dependent Care Credit .
What are some of the deductions a Caregiver can take?
Asked Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A family Caregiver may qualify for various tax deductions and credits provide they meet certain criteria. You can take a parent or qualified relative as a dependent deduction on your tax return if certain tests are met including income and support. Secondly, a family caregiver may also be able to claim medical expenses they paid on behalf of their parent or relative as an itemized deduction on Schedule A of their tax return.
How do you define Caregiver?
Asked Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A family Caregiver is defined as an unpaid relative that helps care for an elderly parent or relative as compared to a Professional Caregiver such as a Nurse's Aide that is paid to provide services.
Estate Tax - New
Asked Tuesday, February 14, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
New for 2011, 2012 and 2013 is a concept named portability which allows a surviving spouse's estate to use any portion of the exemption amount not used by the other spouse’s estate.
For 2013 the exemption is $5,250.000.
For 2013 the exemption is $5,250.000.
What is a business plan?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
A business plan is comprehensive planning document which clearly describes the business developmental objective of an existing or proposed business. The plan outlines where the resources needed to accomplish the objective will be obtained and utilized. It should also guide you to act on your intentions and benchmark your steps along the way and be written on a format that allows for collaboration among your employees and partners. For more information go to FundingRoadmap.com
Why is a business plan important?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
It summarizes both your vision for the company and your blueprint for the company’s operating success. The business plan is a written guide that details the start-up and the future direction of your company. For more information go to
FundingRoadmap.com
If I am not applying for a business loan, why do I need a business plan?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The purpose of a business plan is to guide you in successfully operating a business. Preparing a plan forces the entrepreneur to consider all aspects of the business and to confront any problems the plan may show you along the way.
FundingRoadmap.com
How do I determine my startup costs and operating expenses?
Asked Sunday, February 12, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Each expense should be listed on a proposed budget sheet. Costs should be researched. Some items on your budget sheet will be "fixed costs" in that they have no relationship to the cost of your product or service. Other costs are called variable costs as they are directly related to the services or quantity of products you sell. To learn more go to
FundingRoadmap.com
Gambling losses
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
Gambling losses are allowed as a fully deductible itemized deduction up to the amount of gambling winnings.
Dry cleaning costs of Suits and Dresses
Asked Thursday, February 09, 2012 by an anonymous userCPA Answer:
The dry cleaning and maintenance costs of your work clothes such as suits and dresses are not deductible. To be deductible the clothing must be not be adaptable to everyday wear and be required as a condition of employment. The dry cleaning and maintenance costs of uniforms and special clothing such as for nurse’s, police, and fireman are deductible.