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SUMMARY OF 2009 TAX
HIGHLIGHTS
INDIVIDUAL
FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS CREDIT (did not own a home in past 3 years)
can get up to $8,000 credit for purchasing a primary residence was
extended until April 30, 2010 or June 30, 2010 if there was a
binding contract as of April 30, 2010. It was also expanded so that
current homeowners (owned a home for 5 of last 8 years) can get a
credit of up to $6,500.
MAKING WORK PAY CREDIT may reduce your tax liability by $400 single
or $800 MFJ. This is reduced by $250 for any Economic Recovery
payment received (included in Social Security, etc.).
PURCHASE OF EACH NEW MOTOR VEHICLE during 2009, can add the sales
tax on each purchase up to $49,500 to your standard deduction
without itemizing.
REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTIONS are suspended for 2009.
The first $2400 of UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS received in 2009 is not
taxable.
AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY CREDIT (formerly HOPE CREDIT) for higher
education is up to $2,500 for 2009, (and now includes course
related materials and can be used for 4 undergraduate years)
OR
LIFETIME LEARNING CREDIT limit remains at $2,000, OR
HIGHER-EDUCATION TUITION & FEES deduction up to $4,000 thru
2009.
STUDENT LOAN INTEREST deduction is up to $2,500
CLASSROOM MATERIAL deduction up to $250 was extended thru 2009 for
teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides who work
at least 900 hours during a school year in elementary or secondary
school.
QUALIFIED DIVIDENDS and LONG-TERM CAPITAL GAINS are taxed at a
maximum rate of 15% thru 2009, or 0% if you are in the 10 or 15%
bracket.
SOCIAL SECURITY TAX on earned income is capped at $106,800 for 2009
and 2010
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS are taxable if your other income plus 1/2
your social security benefits exceeds $25,000 ($32,000 MFJ) in
2009.
HOMEOWNERS CAPITAL GAIN exemption for your primary residence
includes the surviving spouse for 2 years after death if the
requirements were met prior to death.
FORECLOSURES If your principal residence is foreclosed or in a
short sale, you may NOT have to pay the tax on forgiven mortgage
debt. This becomes complicated if you refinanced your home prior to
sale.
IRA CONTRIBUTION remains at $5,000 for 2009 for Traditional and/or
combination Roth IRA's. Individuals 50 years of age or older are
able to contribute an additional $1,000.
STANDARD DEDUCTION is $5,700 for Single and $11,400 for Married
Filing Jointly, $8,350 for Head of Household.
PERSONAL EXEMPTION is $3,650.
PROPERTY TAXES for Individuals who don't itemize can still deduct
up to $500 single, $1,000 MFJ for property taxes paid. This
includes all property tax, not just your residence.
SALES TAX DEDUCTION was extended thru 2009 and can be deducted in
lieu of state income tax, if greater.
MILEAGE RATES are 55c for
business, 24c for medical and moving, and 14c for charity for 2009.
The 2010 rate is 50c per mile for business.
NON-CASH CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS of household items and used
clothing must be in good or better condition. Go to www.SalvationArmyUSA.org and
click on Ways to Give to find a table of values.
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