Mary E Nussbaum, CFP®, EA
10. What is the Gift Tax annual exclusion?
The 2017 Gift tax annual Exclusion is $14,000. 2018 will increase to $15,000.
11. What is the maximum Education Credits I can claim?
The maximum American Opportunity Credit is $2,500 per eligible student. The maximum Lifetime Learning Credit is $2,000. The maximum tuition and fees deduction is $4,000. The maximum Student Loan Interest you can claim is $2,500.
8. I am a same-sex couple. What filing status do I use?
The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) changed the filing status for same sex couples. If you have been legally married in a state recognizing same sex marriage (a “ceremony” on its own does not qualify), you are now required to file as married filing jointly or married filing separately.
5. Can I receive an Organizer to help me organize my paperwork before my appointment?
We will provide you with an organizer for your tax return at your request. Please call or send an e-mail to let us know if you would like this convenience.
7. Is there a net investment income tax?
There is a net investment income tax of 3.8% now in place for people with high income from investments (i.e. interest, dividends, royalties, gains from sale of investment property). This is also a new Obamacare funding measure.
1. What information will I need for the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare?
If you received subsidy for health insurance in 2017, you will receive a 1095A. Other ACA forms which you may receive are the 1095B or 1095C. If you receive one of these forms, please bring them to your appointment.
4. Will you e-file my return?
We e-file all of our individual returns, if possible. Signatures are required on form 8879 (IRS e-file Signature Authorization) to e-file your return to the IRS. Returns will not be e-filed unless we have the signed 8879 in the file.
3. What information do you need for me to receive the EITC credit?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is another point of concern. The IRS is watching EITC very closely because of rampant fraud. Unfortunately that means that those of us who are doing it right will be proving our position. If you are claiming EITC, we are requesting that you bring supporting documentation that the child lives in your home. We can use medical records,school or daycare records, social services, etc. The child must live with you for over one-half of the year. If you have an EITC audit, we can also rely on a letter from your minister. EITC is a great resource for qualifying people but it is imperative that we have documentation to support the credit.
13. What information do I need to bring with me for my appointment?
Attached is a form to print out and use as a guide for the most common information.
9. Can I check my refund status online?
You can check your own refund status online. Go to our contact tab, click on the link to check the status of your Federal, Missouri or Kansas returns.
6. What is the medical deduction percentage for 2017?
The medical deduction on Schedule A (itemized deductions) is 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for those under 65. It remains 7-1/2% for those 65 and over.
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday-Sunday Closed
Additional Hours of Operation:
Saturdays and Evenings by appointment.
12. What is the new mileage rate?
The 2017 mileage rate is 53.5 cents for business, 14 cents for charitable miles, and 17 cents for medical and moving miles. The 2018 mileage deduction is still under review.