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ABOUT NATP
Our mission at NATP is simple to serve our members by providing the support, education, products, and research services they need to succeed in the tax profession. Our more than 21,000 members are a diverse group of tax professionals that include individual tax preparers, enrolled agents, certied public accountants, accountants, attorneys, and nancial planners. They work in ofces that assist over 11 million taxpayers with tax preparation and planning. From our Member Services team to our Tax Knowledge team, our core values of quality, integrity, value, and satisfaction remain constant. At the end of the day, our decisions are based on one question: How will it best serve our members? Professional networking and advocacy, valuable savings on education, research, products, and practice management tools are just a few reasons why NATP is the leading tax professional association in the country. Find out what thousands of tax professionals already know becoming a member of NATP is one of the smartest business investments you can make.
t the close of every year, NATPs Tax Knowledge Center compiles a list of common facts and figures that tax professionals can reference during the upcoming tax season. Youll find this Quick Reference Guide useful as you prepare returns. As always, the NATP research staff is available year-round to answer your toughest federal tax questions. See the back page of this newsletter for three convenient ways to contact the Research Center.
For 2011, the AMT exemption amounts are as follows: 2011 Exemption MFJ, QW S, HH MFS For a child subject to kiddie tax $74,450 $48,450 $37,225 $6,800 plus childs earned income not to exceed $48,450 2011 Phase-out $150,000 - $447,800 $112,500 - $306,300 $75,000 - $223,900 $112,500 - $306,300
179 Expensing
For 2010 and 2011, taxpayers may expense up to $500,000 of qualifying property acquired for use in a trade or business. The deduction phase out begins at $2,000,000 on purchases of qualifying property. Taxpayers who have qualified disaster assistance property may expense up to $600,000; their deduction phase out begins at $2,600,000. The SUV limit remains $25,000. For 2010 and 2011, within the $500,000 179 limit, taxpayers may expense up to $250,000 of qualified real property, defined as qualified leasehold improvement property, qualified restaurant property, and qualified retail improvement property as described in 168. For tax years 20032012, taxpayers may make or revoke a 179 election on an amended return without the consent of the Commissioner.
Bonus Depreciation
Qualified property purchased for original use by the taxpayer after 2007 is allowed a 50 percent bonus depreciation if it is placed in service before September 9, 2010, and a 100 percent bonus depreciation if it is placed in service after September 9, 2010, and before January 1, 2012, (before January 1, 2013, for certain aircraft and certain long-term production period property). Qualified property includes tangible property depreciated under MACRS with a recovery period of 20 years or less, water utility property, off-the-shelf computer software, and qualified leasehold improvement property. Qualified property does not include: Property placed in service and disposed of in the same year. Property converted from business use to personal use in the same tax year. Property required to be depreciated under ADS. Property for which the taxpayer elects not to claim the special bonus depreciation allowance.
AddressesWhere to File
For current addresses, visit www.natptax.com, Tax Knowledge Center, Federal Tax Information, Tax News, Where to File 2010 Returns in 2011.
Adoption Credit
For both 2010 and 2011 this is a refundable credit per child. The maximum credit for 2010 is $13,170. The credit will begin to be phased out for taxpayers when modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $182,520; its completely phased out when MAGI reaches $222,520. The credit is $13,360 for 2011. The credit will begin to phase out when MAGI exceeds $185,210 and is completely phased out when MAGI reaches $225,210.
Education Credits
For 2010 and 2011, the maximum Lifetime Learning Credit is $2,000. For 2010 and 2011, the maximum American Opportunity Credit is 100 percent of the first $2,000 of qualified higher-education tuition and related expenses, plus 25 percent of the next $2,000 of such expenses paid during the tax year, equaling a maximum credit of $2,500. 2010 Phase-out MFJ, QW S, HH MFS American Opportunity Tax Credit Lifetime Learning Credit
$160,000 - $180,000 $100,000 - $120,000 $80,000 - $90,000 Not Available $50,000 - $60,000 Not Available
Exemption Amount
The personal exemption amount increased to $3,650 for 2010. There is no personal exemption phase-out for years after 2009 and before 2013.
Dividend Rates
Qualified dividends are taxed at 0 percent and 15 percent for 2008 through 2012.
The maximum amount of investment income a taxpayer may have and still be eligible for the credit remains at $3,100 for 2010. Beginning after 2010, the Advanced Earned Income Credit is no longer available.
$1,000
IRAMAGI Phase-out for Roth IRA Contributions for 2010 and 2011
Filing Status MFJ MFS (lived with spouse) S, HH, QW, or MFS* 2010 $167,000 - $177,000 $0 - $10,000 $105,000 - $120,000 2011 $169,000 - $179,000 $0 - $10,000 $107,000 - $122,000
*Taxpayers who are filing MFS and did not live with their spouse at any time during the year are considered Single for IRA deduction purposes.
Pension Chart
Annual Elective Deferral Limit 401(k) 401(k) age 50 or older* 403(b) annuity 403(b) age 50 or older* SARSEP SARSEP age 50 or older* SIMPLE and SIMPLE 401(k) SIMPLE and SIMPLE 401(k) age 50+* 457 (government and exempt organizations) 457 age 50 or older* 2011 $16,500 $22,000 $16,500 $22,000 $16,500 $22,000 $11,500 $14,000 $16,500 $22,000 2010 $16,500 $22,000 $16,500 $22,000 $16,500 $22,000 $11,500 $14,000 $16,500 $22,000 2009 $16,500 $22,000 $16,500 $22,000 $16,500 $22,000 $11,500 $14,000 $16,500 $22,000 2008 $15,500 $20,500 $15,500 $20,500 $15,500 $20,500 $10,500 $13,000 $15,500 $20,500 2007 $15,500 $20,500 $15,500 $20,500 $15,500 $20,500 $10,500 $13,000 $15,500 $20,500
*Note: A participant who is projected to attain age 50 before the end of a calendar year is deemed to be age 50 as of January 1 of that year. This optional provision must rst be elected by the pension plan sponsor (employer).
Annual benet limit for dened benet plan Annual benet limit for dened contribution plan Annual compensation limit SEP minimum compensation limit Highly-compensated employee (based on previous years compensation) Key employee compensation in top-heavy plan IRA or Roth** IRA or Roth age 50 or older**
**Lesser of this or earned income
Kiddie Tax
For 2010 and 2011, kiddie tax applies to children with unearned income greater than $1,900 if the child is age 18 and under, or a full-time student under the age of 24, and has at least one living parent. However, kiddie tax does not apply if the childs earned income exceeds half of his or her support and/or the child files a joint return.
*If the plan is established by a self-employed individual, the limit is the lesser of the related trade or business earned income or the applicable percentage.
Nanny Tax
For 2010 and 2011, compensation paid for domestic service in an employers home is not subject to FICA until the cash wages paid are $1,700 or more.
The incidentals allowance is $5 for travel both inside and outside the United States for 2010 and 2011. Taxpayers subject to the Department of Transportation hours of service limits are allowed to deduct 80 percent of the meal per diem amount.
Savers Credit
A savers credit can be claimed using Form 8880, Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions. The credit is calculated by multiplying the applicable rate by the qualified retirement plan contributions not to exceed $2,000. The maximum credit is $1,000 per person.
Applicable credit rate determined by filing status and MAGI for: 2010 MFJ HH 50% $0 $33,500 $0 $25,125 20% $33,500 $36,000 $25,125 $27,000 $16,750 $18,000 20% $34,000 $36,500 $25,500 $27,375 $17,000 $18,250 10% $36,000 $55,500 $27,000 $41,625 $18,000 $27,750 10% $36,500 $56,500 $27,375 $42,375 $18,250 $28,250 No Credit Over $55,500 Over $41,625 Over $27,750 No Credit Over $56,500 Over $42,375 Over $28,250
For 2010 and 2011, the standard deduction for dependents who only have unearned income is $950. If the dependent has both earned and unearned income, the standard deduction is the greater of: $950; or The dependents earned income plus $300, but not more than the basic standard deduction for his or her ling status. For 2010 and 2011, additional deductions for the aged or blind are $1,100 for married or surviving spouse, and $1,400 for single or head of household taxpayers.
Summaries of these bills are on NATPs website at www.natptax.com. Click on Tax Knowledge Center, Federal Tax Information, Tax Act Summaries.
Social Security
For 2010 and 2011, the maximum wages subject to social security tax is $106,800.
Standard Deduction
The basic standard deduction is: Filing Status MFJ/QW HH Single MFS 2010 $11,400 $8,400 $5,700 $5,700 2011 $11,600 $8,500 $5,800 $5,800
Form W-2: Where to report reimbursements and benefits* Not applicable to greater-than-2% shareholders or highly compensated employees
Employee Fringe Benefits Accident and Health Benefits (See Footnote 3) Accident and health benefits other than long-term care premiums Disclosure of health insurance coverage sponsored by the employer optional reporting for 2011; mandatory for 2012 and beyond Long-term care premiums paid through a cafeteria or flex spending account Long-term care premiums not paid through a cafeteria or flex spending account Non-Cash Achievement Awards (See Footnote 2) Up to $1,600 from a qualified plan or $400 from a non-qualified plan The amount over $1,600 from a qualified plan or $400 from a non-qualified plan Adoption Assistance (See Footnote 1) Paid from an adoption assistance program Paid or reimbursed from a cafeteria plan Forfeited from a cafeteria plan Dependent Care Assistance Programs (See Footnote 1) Cash reimbursements up to limits of $5,000 MFJ or $2,250 MFS or Single FMV of on-site facilities less the amount paid by employee up to limits of $5,000 MFJ or $2,250 MFS or Single Amount reimbursed or value in excess of above stated limits Educational Assistance (See Footnote 2) Up to $5,250 paid from a qualified plan to maintain or improve job skills Excess of $5,250 or paid from a non-qualifying plan but considered a working condition fringe benefit Paid as a working condition fringe benefit Discounts not in excess of the employers cost Employee Discounts (See Footnote 2) Discounts not in excess of 20 percent of services Discounts not in excess of the employers cost Paid to current employees in excess of $50,000 of coverage Discounts in excess of above limits Group-Term Life Insurance Premiums (See Footnotes 5 & 6) Paid to current and former employees for up to $50,000 of coverage Paid to current employees in excess of $50,000 of coverage Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) (See Footnote 2) Moving Expense Reimbursements (See Footnote 4) Paid or reimbursed deductible moving expenses Paid or reimbursed non-deductible moving expenses Qualified Transportation Benefits (See Footnote 4) Paid or reimbursed up to the following monthly limits: $230 per month for combined commuter highway vehicle transportation and transit passes $230 per month for qualified parking Paid or reimbursed in excess of the above monthly limits Reimbursements For Employee Business Expenses Per diem, less than government rate (substantiated) Per diem, equal to government rate (not substantiated) Per diem, up to government rate (substantiated) Per diem, in excess of government rate (substantiated) Any amount, other than a per diem amount (substantiated) Any amount, other than a per diem amount (not substantiated) * Footnotes listed on bottom of page 12. no no no no no no no yes no yes no no yes no P no no no optional no no yes no no yes no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no yes no no no yes no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no yes no no yes yes yes yes no no no no no no no no optional no no no yes yes no no no no yes yes no T T no no no no yes no yes no no no no no no optional no no yes no no no yes no no no no no no optional no no DD no no no no no no no no Box 1 Box 3 & 5 Box 10 Box 12 Code Box 13 Box 14
no yes no
no yes no
no no no
no yes yes
C W
no no no
no no no
no Box 10 no no no no no no
no Box 12 no no yes no no no
no
optional
Form W-2: Where to report reimbursements and benefits. Applicable to greater-than-2% shareholders.
Employee Fringe Benefits Accident and Health Benefits (See Footnote 7) Long-term care premiums not paid through a cafeteria or flex spending account Disclosure of cost of health insurance coverage sponsored by the employer optional reporting for 2011; mandatory for 2012 and beyond Non-Cash Achievement Awards Up to $1,600 from a qualified plan or $400 from a non-qualified plan The amount over $1,600 from a qualified plan or $400 from a non-qualified plan Adoption Assistance Paid from an adoption assistance program Paid or reimbursed from a cafeteria plan Dependent Care Assistance Programs Cash reimbursements up to limits of $5,000 MFJ or $2,250 MFS or Single FMV of on-site facilities less the amount paid by employee up to limits of $5,000 MFJ or $2,250 MFS or Single Amount reimbursed or value in excess of above stated limits Educational Assistance Up to $5,250 paid from a qualified plan to maintain or improve job skills Excess of $5,250 or paid from a non-qualifying plan but considered a working condition fringe benefit Paid as a working condition fringe benefit Excess of $5,250 or paid from a non-qualifying plan and not considered a working condition fringe benefit Employee Discounts Discounts not in excess of 20 percent of services Discounts not in excess of the employers cost Discounts in excess of above limits Group-Term Life Insurance Premiums (See Footnote 7) Paid to current and former employees up to $50,000 of coverage Discounts not in excess of the employers cost Paid to current employees in excess of $50,000 of coverage Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) Moving Expense Reimbursements (See Footnote 8) Paying as an employee: Paid to current employees in excess of $50,000 of coverage Paying as an employee: Paid or reimbursed non-deductible moving expenses Paying as a partner: Paid or reimbursed deductible moving expenses Paying as a partner: Paid or reimbursed non-deductible moving expenses Qualified Transportation Benefits Paid or reimbursed up to the following monthly limits: $230 per month for combined commuter highway vehicle transportation and transit passes $230 per month for qualified parking Monthly limits applied to employees do not apply to greater-than-2% shareholders no yes yes yes no yes yes yes no no no no yes no no no P no no no no no optional optional optional yes yes yes no yes no no no no no yes yes C W no no no no no no no no yes no no yes no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no yes no no no yes no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no yes no no yes yes yes yes no no no no no no no no optional yes yes yes yes no no no no no no yes yes yes yes no no no no no no optional yes no no no no no no optional DD no no no no Box 1 Box 3 & 5 Box 10 Box 12 Code Box 13 Box 14
yes
yes
no
no
no
optional
Footnotes
(1) For this exclusion, a highly compensated employee for 2010 is an employee who meets either of the following tests: The employee was a 5-percent owner at any time during the year or the preceding year. The employee received more than $110,000 in pay for the preceding year. (2) For this exclusion, any employee who received more than $110,000 in pay for 2009 is a highly compensated employee. (3) A highly compensated employee for this exception is any of the following individuals: One of the five highest paid officers. An employee who owns (directly or indirectly) more than 10 percent in value of the employers stock. An employee who is among the highest paid 25 percent of all employees (other than those who can be excluded from the plan). (4) The highly compensated employee rules do not apply due to the nature of the benefit. (5) If the group term life insurance policy discriminates in favor of key employees, then the $50,000 exclusion is not available for any employee [79(d)(1)(A)]. For this exclusion, a key employee during 2010 is an employee or former employee who is one of the following individuals [see section 416(i) of the Internal Revenue Code for more information]: An officer having annual pay of more than $160,000. An individual who for 2010 was either of the following: (a) A 5-percent owner of your business. (b) A 1-percent owner of your business whose annual pay was more than $150,000 (not adjusted for inflation). (6) Note that although the amount is included in Box 1, no federal income tax withholding is required. (7) Note that although the amount is included in Box 1, no federal income tax withholding is required. (8) IRS Pub. 15-B, Employers Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits, lists 2-percent shareholders as nonemployees for the moving expense reimbursement exclusion. However, the regulations do not define employee for purposes of this exclusion, and under 132(g), qualified moving expense reimbursements can be received by any individual, not just an employee. Therefore, it is not entirely clear if the IRS position is correct.
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