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It is not uncommon for individuals to loan money to relatives to help them buy a home. In those situations, it is also not uncommon for a loan to be undocumented or documented with an unsecured note, and the unintended result that the homebuyer can’t claim a tax deduction for the interest paid to their helpful relative. The tax code describes qualified residence interest as interest paid or accrued during the tax year on acquisition indebtedness or home equity indebtedness with respect to any qualified residence of the taxpayer. It also provides that the term "acquisition indebtedness" means ...

Each U.S. person who has a financial interest in or signature or other authority over foreign bank accounts, securities accounts or other financial accounts must file a Form TD F 90-22.1 (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts or FBAR) if the aggregate value of the accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. A “foreign financial account” is a financial account located outside the U.S. An account maintained with a branch of a U.S. bank that is physically located outside of the U.S. is a foreign financial account. A financial account includes ...

Long-Term Capital Gains Rates Increase – Taxpayers have enjoyed reduced long-term capital gains rates for several years as a result of the Bush era tax cuts. However, without Congressional action, which is not expected, those reduced rates will return to the higher rates in effect prior to 2003. The table below compares the current long-term capital gains rates to the anticipated rates for 2013 and subsequent years. Taxpayer’s Regular Long-Term Capital Gains Rates Tax Bracket Current Anticipated for 2013 15% and below 0% 10% (1)Above 15% 15% 20% (2) (1) 8% if held over 5 years(2) 18% if held over 5 years Taxpayers with unrealized long-term capital gains may wish to review their ...

Generally, we keep “tax” records for two basic reasons: (1) in case the IRS or a state agency decides to question the information reported on our tax returns; and (2) to keep track of the tax basis of our capital assets so that the tax liability can be minimized when we actually dispose of the assets. With certain exceptions, the statute for assessing additional tax is three years from the return due date or the date the return was filed, whichever is later. However, the statute of limitations for many states is one year longer than the federal. In addition ...

A way to reduce the overall family tax bill is by employing family members through your business, which allows you to shift income to them and provide them with employment benefits. · Employing your Spouse. Reasonable wages paid to your spouse entitle you to a business deduction. Although the wages are subject to income and FICA taxes, your spouse may qualify for Social Security benefits to which he or she might not otherwise be entitled. In addition, your spouse may also be entitled to receive coverage under the qualified retirement and health plans of your business, allowing you to obtain ...