Part 1 Flashcards
Abode Test
A qualifying child must live with the taxpayer for more than one-half of the year. Temporary absences such as being away at school count as being with the taxpayer.
Adjusted basis
The property’s adjusted basis is frequently its cost.
Age Test
A qualifying child must be under the age of 19, or if they are a full-time student, under the age of 24.
Alimony and Separate Maintenance Payments
Alimony payments are deductible by the payor spouse, and included as income by the spouse receiving them. Should the spouse also have children, there may be an element of the payment which includes child support. Child support is not a taxable to the recipient.
Alimony Payments
A deduction is allowed for alimony payments made under a written decree of divorce or separate maintenance.
Alternative Valuation Date
The executor may also elect to value the estate at an alternate date, rather than at the date of death. If the alternate valuation date is elected, and any property is distributed prior to that date, that property is valued as of the distribution date.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
The AMT is the excess of the tentative minimum tax over the regular tax. The process to determine the AMT is to first identify the various tax preferences or adjustments which were properly elected and planned for by the taxpayer, and then, effectively, disallow them.
American Opportunity Credit
Taxpayers may elect to take a tax credit for tuition, fees and course materials paid during the first four years of postsecondary education. The credit is limited the lessor of the amounts paid or $2,500, and 40% of the credit may be used as a refundable credit.
Amortization Expense
Amortization is the cost of recovering intangible assets such as leasehold improvements and other Section 197 intangibles. The cost of the Section 197 intangibles may be amortized over a 15 year life on a straight-line basis.
Annuity Contracts & Pensions
The allowable methodology is a straight-line recovery of the cost. If the annuity continues after the recovery of cost, the entire payments represent income.
Bad Debts
When a taxpayer extends credit to another taxpayer in the form of a loan, and then the loan becomes uncollectible, a deduction is allowed. When an accrual based taxpayer sells goods and services in exchange for a receivable, and the receivable becomes uncollectible, a deduction is allowed.
Basis of Property in Like-Kind Exchange
The basis of property received in a like-kind exchange is the basis of the property being transferred by the taxpayer. If any gain is recognized, the basis is increased by that amount. If the taxpayer receives boot, basis must be allocated first to the boot and then to the transferred property.
Business Bad Debt
Results from the taxpayer being in the business of lending money or the rendering goods and services in exchange for the receivable. These bad debts are treated as an ordinary loss in the year incurred.
Business Gifts
A deduction is allowed for the cost of business gifts. However, the maximum per gift is $25 per person per year.
Business Meals & Entertainment
The ordinary and necessary expenses paid for business meals and entertainment are deductible if they are (1) directly related or (2) associated with your trade or business. The expense may not be lavish and the taxpayer must be present at the meal.
Cafeteria Plans (Fringe Benefit)
Companies may offer a variety of non-taxable benefits which an employee may choose from, similar to a cafeteria. There is generally no minimum waiting period for employees to take advantage of this plan.
Capital Expenditures of a Medical Nature
When it is necessary to make medical expenditures of a capital nature, they are deductible only to the extent that there is not a corresponding increase in the fair market value of the property.
Casualty Loss Deduction
If a taxpayer in business has a loss from a casualty such as fire, storm, shipwreck, or theft, a deduction is allowed for the decrease in value, or its adjusted basis, whichever is less, minus any insurance reimbursement.
Casualty Losses
A taxpayer may deduct a loss for a personal casualty loss. A casualty loss is sudden and unexpected, and may include a theft loss as well.
Charitable Contributions
A deduction is allowed for a charitable contribution or gift paid during the year to a qualified organization.
Citizenship Test
The dependent must be a citizen or resident of the United States, or resident of Canada or Mexico.
Club Dues and Membership Fees
No deduction is allowed for dues or membership fees in any club organized for business, pleasure, recreation, or other social purpose.
Common Stock Dividend
If a common stock dividend is received on the common stock, then the basis of the stock received is determined by merely allocating the existing basis of the common stock to the new total number of common shares currently held.
Complex Trust
A complex trust is any other trust than a simple trust. It is allowed a deduction for charitable contributions and may also distribute principal.