15 Additional Taxes and Credits Flashcards
15 Additional Taxes and Credits
What is the purpose of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)?
The AMT ensures that higher-income individuals and corporations pay at least a minimum amount of tax if they have significant deductions and credits under the regular income tax system.
What are the 2023 AMT exemption amounts?
Single/HOH: $81,300
MFJ: $126,500
MFS: $63,250
How do you calculate the AMT?
- Start with regular taxable income
- Make AMT adjustments and preferences
- Subtract AMT exemption
- Apply AMT tax rate
- Compare AMT to regular tax and pay the higher amount
What are some common AMT “tax preference” items?
State and local taxes, personal exemptions, standard deduction, and miscellaneous itemized deductions
What form is used to calculate AMT for individual taxpayers?
Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax - Individuals
Who can claim the credit for prior year minimum tax?
Individuals, estates, and trusts
What form is used to calculate the credit for prior year minimum tax?
Form 8801, Credit for Prior Year Minimum Tax - Individuals, Estates, and Trusts
What causes the alternative minimum tax?
AMT is caused by two types of adjustments: “exclusion” items (affect a single tax year) and “deferral” items (affect multiple tax years)
Can the credit for prior year minimum tax be used to offset AMT?
No, it is a regular tax credit and cannot offset AMT
What is the purpose of the “kiddie tax”?
To prevent parents from shifting investment income to their children to be taxed at lower rates
What is the age cut-off for a child to be subject to kiddie tax?
Under 18, or under 19 (or 24 for full-time students) if the child’s earned income is less than half of their support
What are the two ways to report kiddie tax?
- Child files their own return with Form 8615 or
- Parents report child’s income on their return with Form 8814
In 2023, at what amount of unearned income does the kiddie tax start to apply?
$2500
What types of income are subject to kiddie tax?
Unearned income like interest, dividends, capital gains, rents, royalties. Earned income is not subject to kiddie tax.
In what tax year was the First-Time Homebuyer Credit issued as a loan?
2008
What is the typical repayment period for the 2008 First-Time Homebuyer Credit?
15 years
What form is used to repay the First-Time Homebuyer Credit?
Form 5405, Repayment of the First-Time Homebuyer Credit
If a home buyer claimed the maximum credit of $7,500 in 2008, what is the annual repayment amount?
$500 per year for 15 years
What are some exceptions to the repayment requirement?
- Home is destroyed or sold through condemnation
- Home is transferred to ex-spouse in a divorce
- Taxpayer who claimed the credit dies
What is the threshold for withholding and paying FICA taxes for household employees in 2023?
$2,600 or more in cash wages
Which form is used to report household employment taxes?
Schedule H (Form 1040)
What family members are exempt from Social Security/Medicare tax withholding?
Spouse, children under 21, and parents in most cases
Are household employers required to withhold federal income tax from wages?
No, unless the employee requests it and the employer agrees
What is the Section 199A deduction?
A deduction of up to 20% of qualified business income (QBI) for owners of pass-through businesses like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and S corporations
Does the Section 199A deduction apply to C corporation income?
No, C corporation income is not eligible for the QBI deduction
What are the two main limitations on the 20% QBI deduction for high earners?
- Specified service trade or business limitation
- Wage and capital limit
What are the 2023 income thresholds for the 20% QBI deduction?
Single/HOH/MFS: $182,100 - $232,100; MFJ: $364,200 - $464,200
What items are excluded from the definition of qualified business income (QBI)?
Capital gains/losses, dividends, interest income, income from annuities, commodity transactions, foreign currency gains/losses, etc.
Who qualifies for the foreign earned income exclusion?
U.S. citizens and resident aliens who live and work abroad
What are the two tests to qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion?
- Bona fide residence test
- Physical presence test
What is the maximum foreign earned income exclusion amount for 2023?
$120,000 per person
How do you make the election to exclude foreign earned income?
File Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ with your tax return
What types of income do not qualify for the foreign earned income exclusion?
Passive income like interest, dividends, capital gains, pensions, annuities, and social security benefits
Who qualifies for the foreign housing exclusion?
Employees who have housing expenses paid by their employer
Who qualifies for the foreign housing deduction?
Self-employed individuals with foreign housing expenses
What is the base housing amount for 2023?
16% of the maximum foreign earned income exclusion ($120,000), which equals $19,200 or $56.60 per day
How do you calculate your foreign housing exclusion?
Start with qualified housing expenses, subtract the base housing amount (above), and exclude the difference up to your foreign earned income
What expenses qualify for the housing exclusion/deduction?
Rent, utilities (except phone), real and personal property insurance, furniture rental, residential parking, and certain occupancy taxes
What is the purpose of tax treaties?
To avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion between the U.S. and foreign countries
How can you find out if the U.S. has a tax treaty with a particular country?
Check the IRS website or refer to Publication 901, U.S. Tax Treaties
What are some common benefits of tax treaties for U.S. citizens living abroad?
Lower tax rates, exemptions for certain types of income, and credits for taxes paid to foreign countries
Who can help resolve tax treaty issues between a taxpayer and a foreign country?
The U.S. competent authority, which is the Deputy Commissioner (International) within the Large Business and International Division of the IRS
$81,300
Single/HOH AMT exemption amount for 2023
Used to calculate AMT on Form 6251