Whether your child attends trade school, private college, or public university, you already know that higher education in the United States is expensive. The good news is that many taxpayers are able to take advantage of two education tax credits to help offset these costs: the American opportunity tax credit and the lifetime learning credit. Taxpayers, their spouses, or their dependents who take post-high school coursework, may be eligible for this tax benefit.
What Is the Credit for Other Dependents?
The credit for other dependents is a tax credit available to taxpayers for each of their qualifying dependents who can’t be claimed for the child tax credit. The maximum credit amount is $500 for each dependent who meets certain conditions. These include:
Important Information About Economic Impact Letters
The IRS began issuing Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, to EIP recipients in late January. This letter helps Economic Impact Payment recipients determine if they are entitled to and should claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2021 tax returns when they file in 2022. It contains information that can reduce errors and delays and help taxpayers or tax professionals prepare their 2021 federal tax returns.
Eight Facts About the Adoption Credit
Taxpayers who adopted or started the adoption process in 2021 may qualify for the adoption credit. This credit can be applied to international, domestic private, and public foster care adoption; however, taxpayers who adopt their spouse’s child cannot claim this credit.
Tax Credits for Accommodating Disabled Workers
Businesses that make structural adaptations or other accommodations for employees or customers with disabilities may be eligible for tax credits and deductions. Let’s take a look at a few of the tax incentives that are available to encourage employers to hire qualified people with disabilities – and offset some of the costs of providing accommodations.
Tax Credit for Hiring Long-Term Unemployed Workers
With many businesses facing a tight job market, employers should know about a valuable tax credit available to them for hiring long-term unemployment recipients and other groups of workers facing significant barriers to employment. If your business is hiring right now, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) may help.
Tax Planning: Facts About Credits and Deductions
Tax credits and deductions can mean more money in a taxpayer’s pocket. Here are a few facts about credits and deductions that help taxpayers with their year-round tax planning:
Opting Out of the Monthly Child Tax Credit Payment
Thanks to the advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, approximately 60 million children received $15 billion in July, according to the Department of Treasury and the IRS. While many of these families will benefit from the extra money deposited into their bank accounts, some families may want to opt out and instead take the credit when they file their tax return next spring.
Minimizing Capital Gains Tax on Sale of a Home
If you’re looking to sell your home this year, then it may be time to take a closer look at the exclusion rules and cost basis of your home to reduce your taxable gain on the sale of a home.
The IRS home sale exclusion rule allows an exclusion of gain up to $250,000 for a single taxpayer or $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly. This exclusion can be used over and over during your lifetime (but not more frequently than every 24 months), as long as you meet certain ownership and use tests.
Advance Child Tax Credit Payments Start This Month
The Internal Revenue Service has started sending letters to more than 36 million American families who, based on tax returns filed with the agency, may be eligible to receive monthly Child Tax Credit payments starting July 15, 2021. Here’s what families need to know: