Picture this: For the past few years you've received your tax return and have had a small but nice refund. Now imagine your surprise, when next year, you are required to send in a fairly big check to settle your tax bill. Believe it or not, this message is almost as hard to deliver to a taxpayer as it is to hear it. Here are some situations to watch for that can increase your tax liability:
No paperwork means no deduction
Did you give contributions to qualified charities during 2014? Be sure to get a receipt.
I thought some readers of my blog might be interested in this fairly common topic, for which I did some research. I see if commonly where a parent buys a home in their name, and more improtantly, using their credit, the a child lives in the home and makes ll the mortgage payments. Typically, a non-owner cannot take the deduction for the mortgage interest paid and real estate taxes... this discusses the basis of law for which this deduction for the child may be possible...
You may have a deduction for moving expenses
If you moved in 2014 because of a new job location, you may be entitled to a tax deduction for your moving expenses.
If you intend to deduct business travel expenses on your income tax return, keep adequate records. If you are later audited, you will be able to substantiate your deductions. Your oral summary of your business expenses will not hold up to an IRS audit. Besides, audits are often a year or so after the events which make it more difficult to recall what took place if you don't have proper documentation.
Rule for deducting medical expenses has changed
You may be familiar with the old tax rule that let you take an itemized deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses that exceeded 7½% of your adjusted gross income. For 2013 and future years, the income threshold increases to 10% for taxpayers under age 65. Those 65 and older may continue to use the 7½% threshold through the year 2016.
As always, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your situation please feel free to call.
DiSabatino CPA
651 Via Alondra, Suite 715
Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: 805-389-7300
Suppose that a family member has to move into an assisted living facility (ALF). Although nursing expenses are generally deductible as medical expenses, the lines can get blurred.
If you're short on cash to fund an IRA contribution this year, Uncle Sam may effectively lend you the money.
Fire, flood, tornado. Violent weather can wreak emotional and financial havoc. If your home, vehicle, or other personal property is damaged or destroyed by a sudden, unexpected casualty, an itemized tax deduction may help ease the financial burden.
Do you want to simplify your tax return, yet still claim a deduction for your home office? Beginning in tax year 2013 (returns that we will file in 2014), taxpayers may use a simplified option when figuring the deduction for business use of their home.
Get 'extra credit' for your kids in college
The price tag on a college diploma keeps going up, but at least you might be able to salvage some tax benefits if you're paying the tab.
An Example: If your child is attending college this fall, you may have a chance to claim an enhanced tax break for higher education expenses.
Even if you have never before qualified for a home office deduction, you may be able to now. Starting a few years ago, the IRS began to apply more liberal rules, allowing more people to qualify for the write-off. Specifically, the old, hard-to-meet “principal place of business” standard was made much more taxpayer-friendly. But there are other scenarios that allow you to claim deductions as well.