Contributing the maximum you’re allowed to an employer-sponsored defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k), 403(b) or 457 plan, is likely a smart move: Contributions are typically pretax, reducing your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which can also help you reduce or avoid exposure to the new 3.8% Medicare tax on net investment income. Plan […]
Expiration date for home mortgage debt forgiveness rapidly approaching
Since 2007, homeowners have been allowed to exclude from their taxable income up to $2 million in cancellation-of-debt (COD) income ($1 million for married taxpayers filing separately) in connection with qualified principal residence indebtedness (QPRI). The exclusion had been available only for debts forgiven through 2012, but Congress extended it. Now that expiration date — […]
IRS issues final regs on tangible property expenses
The regulations (IRS T.D. 9636) provide guidance on how to comply with Sections 162 and 263 of the Internal Revenue Code. These sections require amounts paid to acquire, produce or improve tangible property to be capitalized but allow amounts for incidental repairs and maintenance of property to be deducted — potentially saving you more tax […]
Employers Must Provide Notification of Health Insurance Options to Employees by October 1, 2013
The opening of the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace (HIM) on October 1 is fast approaching and with it comes a new requirement to Section 18B of the Fair Labor Standards Act that all businesses should be aware of. By October 1, 2013 employers must provide written notices about health insurance options, including notification of the […]
Start planning now if you’d like to deduct medical expenses
Medical expenses that aren’t reimbursable by insurance or paid through a tax-advantaged account (such as a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account) may be deductible — but only to the extent that they exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income. Before 2013, the floor was only 7.5% for regular tax purposes. (Taxpayers age 65 […]
IRS makes more same-sex couples eligible for federal tax treatment as a married couple
In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June decision regarding same-sex marriage, the IRS recently clarified that married same-sex couples will be treated as married for all federal tax provisions in which marriage is a factor, such as filing status, dependent exemptions and child credits, and gift and estate tax breaks. Significantly, the Supreme Court […]