New Rules for Children of Divorced or Separated Parents
Revocation of release of claim to an exemption. For tax years beginning after July 2, 2008 (the 2009 calendar year for most taxpayers), new rules apply to allow the custodial parent to revoke a release of claim to exemption that was previously released to the noncustodial parent on Form 8332, Release/Revocation of Release of Claim … Read more
Increase in Limit on Long-Term Care and Accelerated Death Benefits Exclusion
2009 The limit on the exclusion for payments made on a per diem or other periodic basis under a long-term care insurance contract increases for 2009 to $280 per day. The limit applies to the total of these payments and any accelerated death benefits made on a per diem or other periodic basis under a … Read more
Income Averaging for Farmers and Fisherman
Exxon Valdez litigation. If you received qualified settlement income made up of interest and punitive damages in connection with the civil action In re Exxon Valdez, No. 89-095-CV (HRH) (Consolidated) (D. Alaska), you may treat this settlement payment as income from a fishing business for the purpose of income averaging. You are eligible to make … Read more
Home/Residence-Related Tax Changes
Discharge of Qualified Principal Residence Indebtedness The Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 extended the exclusion from gross income for the discharge of qualified principal residence indebtedness by an additional 3 years. The exclusion now applies to debt discharged after 2006 and before 2013. First-Time Homebuyer Credit First-Time Homebuyer Credit Extended to April 30, 2010; … Read more
Health/Medical-Related Tax Changes
Archer Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) 2010 Changes For Archer MSA purposes for 2010, the minimum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan increases to $2,000 ($4,050 for family coverage). The maximum annual deductible of a high deductible health plan increases to $3,000 ($6,050 for family coverage). The maximum out-of-pocket expenses limit increases to $4,050 … Read more
Education-Related Tax Changes
Student Loan Interest Deduction 2009 For 2009, the amount of the student loan interest deduction is phased out (gradually reduced) if your filing status is married filing jointly and your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) is between $120,000 and $150,000. You cannot take the deduction if your modified AGI is $150,000 or more. For all … Read more
Decreased Estimated Tax Payments for Qualified Individuals With Small Businesses
For 2009, qualified individuals with small businesses may be eligible to make smaller estimated tax payments. If you qualify, your required annual payment for 2009 is the smaller of 90% of the tax shown on your 2008 tax return or 90% of the tax shown on your 2009 tax return. You must check box F … Read more
