Home Improvements Qualify For Tax Deductions

It is very important that home owners are aware that improvements to their homes will qualify for tax deductions. However, it is critical to understand what qualifies as an improvement, and what is simply considered a repair.

How Are Bonds Taxed Upon Death

Question: My grandmother, recently deceased, left E, EE, & HH bonds to me, my sister, and mother. The total is approximately $600,000, under the limit to be taxed. However, there is substantial interest accrued on the bonds. What would be the best way to distribute these? Should we have them changed to our names to avoid the Capital Gains or do the taxes have to be paid before distributed? Will taxes be due when we eventually cash them in? Will any taxes be due on the HH bonds? Are the CGT over and above the income taxes? Please Advise. Thank You. R.

How Are Bonds Taxed Upon Death - A Sequel

Question: Thank you so much for your response. It was over and above what I needed to know, which is great. The more informed we are on this the better! I do have one additional question. If we cash out the bonds with the estate, the interest will be around $300,000.00. If we cash them out individually (split 3 ways), won't the taxes be lower as they will be under $150,000.00 (including our other income) for each of us and in a much lower tax bracket? I am not clear on the advantages of cashing them out in the estate. Please explain this further. Thank you, R.

Congress May Crack Down on Homeowner Property Tax Write-Offs

If you've been writing off your property taxes on your federal income tax form every year, you may need to be more careful with your figures if the recommendations of a report are accepted and adopted into legislation by Congress. A congressional committee recently suggested that many homeowners have been deducting more property tax than they should from their taxes, which, according to the report, has been costing the government hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

Figuring Your Basis, Get It Right, Reduce Your Taxes, Get It Wrong and Pay Much Higher Taxes

Congress votes in over 100 new Tax Laws every year. The software programs do an excellent job of implementing these changes, however, I am not sure how well they do with finding the loopholes.

Finding Real Relief From High Taxes

It is the bane of citizens everywhere: high taxes that can crimp your lifestyle, even affect the way that you do business. In many areas, citizens are revolting against ever increasing taxes by insisting that lawmakers hold the line on spending.

1031 Exchange for Commercial Real Estate

A 1031 exchange is defined under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. This code states that if an asset, usually some kind of real estate like land or building, is sold and the proceeds of the sale are reinvested in a similar kind of asset, then no gain or loss is recognized, permitting the deferment of capital gains taxes. A 1031 exchange is also called Like Kind exchange.

Take Expenses Now To Limit Your 2006 Business Taxes

As we roll towards the end of 2006, you are probably thinking about the holidays and gifts you need to buy. Well, it is also time to give yourself a tax gift.

Low Taxes Mean a Stronger Economy

There is a killer on the loose that can steal, kill, and destroy the economy: high taxes. In areas of the world where taxes are very high, economies are generally very weak.

Real Estate Tax Breaks for Your Home

It is always beneficial during tax season to own real estate, which gives you many annual deductions. If you purchased residential real estate during this year, however, you can look forward to even more generous savings at tax time.

Tax Software For Home Based Internet Business

A good tax software system for a home based business will assist you in finding all of the tax benefits that are available to you. One of the most obvious deductions will be the home office deduction. If you operate a business from your home you are able to deduct a portion of your rent or house payment on your taxes.

Last-Minute Tax Tips - What Can You Do Before The Year Ends To Cut Your 2006 Tax Bill

With the holidays upon us, you might be tempted to delay any thoughts of your 2006 tax return until January-or even later. But most tax strategies need to be implemented within the tax year. So take a few minutes now to consult with your tax advisor and consider what you can do before December 31 to reduce this year's tax bill.

Capital Gains Tax Laws Explained

Would you like to know what is considered capital gains by the IRS? Would you like to know how much it might cost you? Capital gains is what the IRS says is your profit when you sell something that is defined as a capital asset. Real estate, mutual fund shares, stocks, and bonds are all considered capital assets. If you inherited a home or real estate you might be subject to the capital gains tax.

December 2006, A Time for Tax Planning

Ideas for 2006 year end tax planning. Planning opportunities to discuss with your tax advisor.