If you're like most high-income taxpayers, you probably use your home PC to help manage your investments. But unless you're a highly active trader and your investment activity constitutes a bona fide business, your depreciation deductions for the machine are severely limited.
Small Business Tax
Section 179 vehicles should be a key part of your small business tax deduction strategies. Can Section 179 property fit in with your business tax strategies?
Let Business Management Daily help you get each and every rental property depreciation credit and business tax deduction you’re entitled to.
As the economy heats up, you'll need to work harder to retain good employees. One good tactic: Set up an employee-achievement-award program. If you handle things the right way, they are tax-free to employees and fully deductible by your company.
The IRS offers several ways to find out.
Q: I am 72 and work part time. I earned $15,000 from my part-time job last year. Can I contribute to an IRA for the 2003 tax year? D.W., Jacksonville, Fla.
Q: I read your recent article about filing separate tax returns. If my wife and I file separately, do we simply split our itemized deductions? G.S., Manchester, N.H.
Q: For years, I've been giving away appreciated stock to my low-bracket children. I recently gave $11,000 worth of my C corporation stock to my daughter, who sold it. My CPA says this technique is not allowed. Is that correct? T.J., Virginia Beach, Va.
For many U.S. taxpayers, "March Mad-ness" has nothing to do with college basketball. It's all about dashing around gathering receipts, filling out forms, meeting with your tax guru and hoping you'll emerge victorious in the 1040 game.
Q: My husband and I collectively earn $85,000 a year. Neither of us participates in any retirement plans. Can we both make deductible IRA contributions for 2003? I.M., Thomasville, N.C.
Lower rates. The 27, 30, 35 and 38.6 percent individual federal rates that applied for 2002 are reduced to 25, 28, 33 and 35 percent, respectively, for 2003. The 10 and 15 percent federal rates are unchanged.
Mark mid-April on your calendar. That's when Tax Freedom Day, the symbolic day when U.S. taxpayers' annual earnings to date surpass the taxes they'll pay that year.
