Rule for deducting medical expenses has changed

You may be familiar with the old tax rule that let you take an itemized deduction for unreimbursed medical expenses that exceeded 7½% of your adjusted gross income. For 2013 and future years, the income threshold increases to 10% for taxpayers under age 65. Those 65 and older may continue to use the 7½% threshold through the year 2016.

As always, should you have any questions or concerns regarding your situation please feel free to call.

DiSabatino CPA
651 Via Alondra, Suite 715
Camarillo, CA 93012

Phone: 805-389-7300

Equipment write-off decreases for 2014

In recent years, businesses could expense up to $500,000 of equipment purchases in the year of purchase, with a $2,000,000 annual purchase limit. In addition, bonus depreciation was allowed for new equipment purchases.

Your grandson needs a car, but cannot afford the payments. As a favor, you provide the $25,000 to purchase the car. You tell your grandson to pay you back when he can, but there is no loan document. The IRS sees this payment during an audit and asks you where your interest income is for this loan. Should this happen, you will quickly understand the meaning of AFRs.

Each month the IRS publishes a series of tables known as AFRs. So what are they and why should you care?

Lock in write-offs at assisted living facilities

Suppose that a family member has to move into an assisted living facility (ALF). Although nursing expenses are generally deductible as medical expenses, the lines can get blurred.

If you're short on cash to fund an IRA contribution this year, Uncle Sam may effectively lend you the money.