Alimony

I collect alimony payments. Can I make an IRA contribution?

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Yes. Taxable alimony payments qualify as compensation for purposes of making an IRA contribution. You are subject to the same IRA contribution limitations as one who is working.
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IRAs - Traditional

I collect Alimony and don't work. Can I make an IRA contribution?

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Yes. Taxable alimony payments qualify as compensation for purposes of making an IRA contribution. You are subject to the same IRA contribution limitations as one who is working.
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IRAs - Traditional

I'm over 70 1/2. Can I make an IRA contribution?

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

No. You cannot make a contribution to a "traditional" IRA in the year you reach 70 1/2. However- you can make a contribution to a Roth IRA. Of course you must have earned income and the same rules that limit Roth IRAs and traditional IRAs apply. For additional details contact a local CPA.
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Roth IRAs

How much can I contribute to a Roth IRA?

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

In 2013, the maximum contribution is $5,500 if you are under age 50 and $6,500 if you are older than age 50. However, you are subject to the phase out rules, based upon your income level. Please find the information on phase out rules or contact a local CPA for greater details and how it impacts our situation.
In 2014: The AGI phase-out range for taxpayers making contributions to a Roth IRA is $181,000 to $191,000 for married couples filing jointly, up from $178,000 to $188,000 in 2013.
For singles and heads of household, the income phase-out range is $114,000 to $129,000, up from $112,000 to $127,000.
For a married individual filing a separate return, the phase-out range is not subject to an annual cost-of-living adjustment and remains $0 to $10,000
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Treasury/Savings Bonds

Treasury Bonds or Savings Bonds -Interest

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Treasury bond and U.S. Savings bond interest is tax-free only on your state returns but not your federal tax returns.
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Treasury/Savings Bonds

What is the difference between a Treasury bill, Note and Treasury bond?

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Treasury bills are short term U.S. obligations of a year or less ( 4 weeks, 13 weeks, 26 weeks and 52 weeks). A Treasury Bond has a maturity of over 10 years. Treasury notes have a maturity of 2, 5 or 10 years,
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Treasury/Savings Bonds

I have E Bonds. Are they still earning interest?

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

No. The last E Bonds were issued in 1980 and U.S. Savings bonds have a maturity of 30 years.
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Treasury/Savings Bonds

To whom are Savings Bonds taxed when registered in a child's name?

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Interest that is earned on these savings bonds is taxed to the child, even if the parent paid for the bonds.
The interest earned will be taxable to the child when the bond is redeemed unless an election was made to report the income annually. When the bond is redeemed, the child will receive a 1099-INT form at the end of the year.
This will tell you the amount of interest to report on your child's tax return. If the interest was reported annually over the years, then you will need to separately identify and subtract the previously reported income on Schedule B of the tax return.
Please speak with a local CPA about how to report this and other savings bonds you may not have cashed in yet.
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Accounting Terminology

Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

Cumulative net incomes of a corporation less losses and dividend distributions to shareholders, profits not distributed is referred to Retained Earnings. If the accumulated earnings are exceeded by losses, then it is referred to as Accumulated Deficit. It is reflected in the equity section of the balance sheet.
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Accounting Terminology

Net Worth

Asked Sunday, January 29, 2012 by an anonymous user

CPA Answer:

The amount of asset value exceeding total liabilities.
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