This is a little Business Advertising, but a few weeks ago, Tyler was able to provide a Tax Seminar to the ADOBE community association (about 50 or so people) in Gold Canyon. I thought I would copy the handout down to discuss a few of the points. Give me a call at the office (480-288-6855) if you want more info on this or anything for Taxes this year.
THE TOP 8 TAX QUESTIONS FROM A GOLD CANYON MAN OR WOMAN
1. Some of my friends have taken the RMD’s from their retirement accounts, and others have told me that there is no need to take them this year. Should I be taking the RMD’s this year?
a. Yes; If you are over 70 1/2 years old as of April 1, 2010, all employer sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and 457(b) plans , as well as traditional IRAs and IRA-based plans such as SEPs, SARSEPs, and SIMPLE IRAs have an RMD for 2010. A RMD is not required to be taken for 2009. If an individual attained age 70 ½ in 2009 no distribution will be required to be made by April 1, 2010; however, the RMD for 2010 will be required to be made by December 31, 2010.
2. Will the IRS pay for me to play Golf?
a. Yes, well some of it; starting in 2009, the IRS has a special credit available for Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicles on form 8936. The credit ranges from $2500 to $7500 depending on the type of golf cart you buy. Please check with the golf cart dealer and your tax accountant for more information on qualifying vehicles.
3. Will the IRS pay for my home improvements?
a. Yes, if the improvements qualify; there are many residential energy efficient improvements, such as A/C units, Windows, Doors, Water Heaters, etc that have credits up to $1500 on primary residences. In addition, certain home improvements, like ramps, railings, even pools may be deductible as medical expenses.
4. How can I receive tax free money from the equity in my home?
a. You’ll need to set up a Reverse Mortgage, which is a way of tapping into home equity without creating monthly payments. Instead of making payments, the cash flow is reversed and you receive payments from the bank. This money is Tax Free, creating ways to decrease other income items, such as Social Security Income, Pensions, etc., which in turn creates a huge tax savings.
5. I heard many times that the tax rates are increasing, but what can we expect for 2010-12?
a. On Dec 17, 2010, President Barack Obama extended the Bush Tax Cuts through 12/31/12. This means that the long-term capital gains & qualified dividend tax rate will be 0% & 15%, which is the same as in the last few years.
6. Are the Real Estate & New Car Sales Taxes still deductible in excess of the standard deduction?
a. In 2008 & 2009, certain taxes paid added to the Standard Deduction. So a married person was able to claim the new car sales tax and up to $1000 of RE taxes paid in 2009. However, this will not continue in 2010, but amendments can be made to recoup the tax savings from prior years.
7. My grandson needs a new car so he can drive to school and impress his friends. How do I give him a car and not suffer taxes on it?
a. The annual gift tax exclusion for 2010 & 2011 is $13,000, so make sure you buy him a Sentra.
8. How do I tell Arizona how to spend my taxes and earn interest as well?
a. Arizona Residents can donate money to certain charities & schools for an AZ credit. Plus, they can also use the deduction if they itemize their deductions. For example, a married person with a 15% Federal Tax Rate makes a $400 donation to AJ High. AZ gives the client a $400 tax credit, plus he has a $60 savings on his Federal Return (i.e. he donates $400, and receives $460 back).
THE TOP 8 TAX QUESTIONS FROM A GOLD CANYON MAN OR WOMAN
1. Some of my friends have taken the RMD’s from their retirement accounts, and others have told me that there is no need to take them this year. Should I be taking the RMD’s this year?
a. Yes; If you are over 70 1/2 years old as of April 1, 2010, all employer sponsored retirement plans, including profit-sharing plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, and 457(b) plans , as well as traditional IRAs and IRA-based plans such as SEPs, SARSEPs, and SIMPLE IRAs have an RMD for 2010. A RMD is not required to be taken for 2009. If an individual attained age 70 ½ in 2009 no distribution will be required to be made by April 1, 2010; however, the RMD for 2010 will be required to be made by December 31, 2010.
2. Will the IRS pay for me to play Golf?
a. Yes, well some of it; starting in 2009, the IRS has a special credit available for Qualified Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicles on form 8936. The credit ranges from $2500 to $7500 depending on the type of golf cart you buy. Please check with the golf cart dealer and your tax accountant for more information on qualifying vehicles.
3. Will the IRS pay for my home improvements?
a. Yes, if the improvements qualify; there are many residential energy efficient improvements, such as A/C units, Windows, Doors, Water Heaters, etc that have credits up to $1500 on primary residences. In addition, certain home improvements, like ramps, railings, even pools may be deductible as medical expenses.
4. How can I receive tax free money from the equity in my home?
a. You’ll need to set up a Reverse Mortgage, which is a way of tapping into home equity without creating monthly payments. Instead of making payments, the cash flow is reversed and you receive payments from the bank. This money is Tax Free, creating ways to decrease other income items, such as Social Security Income, Pensions, etc., which in turn creates a huge tax savings.
5. I heard many times that the tax rates are increasing, but what can we expect for 2010-12?
a. On Dec 17, 2010, President Barack Obama extended the Bush Tax Cuts through 12/31/12. This means that the long-term capital gains & qualified dividend tax rate will be 0% & 15%, which is the same as in the last few years.
6. Are the Real Estate & New Car Sales Taxes still deductible in excess of the standard deduction?
a. In 2008 & 2009, certain taxes paid added to the Standard Deduction. So a married person was able to claim the new car sales tax and up to $1000 of RE taxes paid in 2009. However, this will not continue in 2010, but amendments can be made to recoup the tax savings from prior years.
7. My grandson needs a new car so he can drive to school and impress his friends. How do I give him a car and not suffer taxes on it?
a. The annual gift tax exclusion for 2010 & 2011 is $13,000, so make sure you buy him a Sentra.
8. How do I tell Arizona how to spend my taxes and earn interest as well?
a. Arizona Residents can donate money to certain charities & schools for an AZ credit. Plus, they can also use the deduction if they itemize their deductions. For example, a married person with a 15% Federal Tax Rate makes a $400 donation to AJ High. AZ gives the client a $400 tax credit, plus he has a $60 savings on his Federal Return (i.e. he donates $400, and receives $460 back).
