Federal Tax Changes to Keep an Eye On
That Tax Relief package signed into law before the lame duck Congress closed up shop has a range of provisions to watch for...we summarize a few here.
John Vogel
Published: Dec 29, 2010
In December, President Obama signed the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010. Here's a rundown of some key provisions.
• Regardless of an individual's income, the employee share of the Social Security tax withheld from wages will drop from 6.2% to 4.2%, up to the taxable wage ceiling of $106,800. A single taxpayer making $50,000 a year will save approximately $1,000 in Social Security taxes.
• Favorable rates on capital gains and dividends remain. For 2010, long-term capital gains and qualified dividends are taxed at a maximum 15%, and 0% for taxpayers in the lowest two brackets). The new law extends these low rates through Dec. 31, 2012.
• For 2011, the estate tax exclusion amount will be $5 million. The maximum estate tax rate will be 35%. The new law also changes the gift tax, the generation skipping tax and the rules involving asset tax basis. Consult with your estate planning adviser regarding the many implications.
• The alternative minimum tax patch is applied again. The two-year patch expands exemption amount:
- $72,450 for married joint-filing couples and surviving spouses for 2010, and $74,450 for 2011.
- $47,450 for single individuals for 2010, and $48,450 for 2011.
- $36,225 for married individuals filing separately for 2010, and $37,225 for 2011.
• A higher child and dependent care credit will be available for two more years. For one dependent, the maximum credit is based on up to $3,000 of eligible care expenses. For two or more dependents, the credit base is on up to $6,000 of eligible expenses.
• Tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements are extended another year. But, the credit percentage is reduced to 10% with a $500 maximum.
• Bonus depreciation doubles from 50% to 100% for qualified business assets placed in service between Sept. 9, 2010 and Dec. 31, 2011. For assets placed in service in 2012, 50% bonus depreciation will be available.
• The valuable research tax credit was renewed retroactively. It expired at the end of 2009, but is now extended through Dec. 31, 2011. It's available to companies that introduce new products, improve current products, and develop or enhance their processes.
• The Work Opportunity Tax Credit is extended through Dec. 31, 2011. It provides financial incentives for employers hiring workers from certain disadvantaged groups. It's worth 40% of up to $6,000 of the worker's first year of eligible wages. Note: Unemployed veterans and "disconnected youth" weren't included.
The new law also extends many other incentives for businesses involving energy, disasters and charitable contributions. For more details regarding your situation, consult with your tax adviser.
Information provided courtesy of Stambaugh Ness Business Consulting, headquartered in York, Pa.
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