Adventures in alimony: No guaranteed tax deductions
Spousal support is not automatically deductible to the payer and taxable to the recipient unless it meets particular requirements.
Expenses & Deductions
What the House tax bill holds for individuals
From new tax rates to fewer deductions, credits, and exclusions, the tax reform bill released by the House would have wide-ranging effects on the taxation of individuals.
Cash advances fail to meet bona fide debt criteria
A renowned scientist was not entitled to a bad debt deduction for advances he made to a health technology company because the advances were equity contributions rather than debt.
IRS updates special per-diem rates for business travel
The IRS issued its annual updates of per-diem rates for use in substantiating expenses when traveling away from home on or after Oct. 1.
Tax Court allows full meal deduction for NHL team’s away games
Pregame meals provided to Boston Bruins players and personnel before away games qualify as a de minimis fringe benefit.
Individual taxation report
This article is a semiannual review of recent developments in the area of individual taxation.
Reliance on tax software does not let taxpayer off the hook
A recent Tax Court case provides a cautionary tale for taxpayers who rely on do-it-yourself tax preparation software.
Contributions to HSAs
Deductible HSA contributions can be used to offset all forms of income.
Tax issues for nontraditional households
This article explores the income tax issues that arise from owning or living in a home with a person other than a spouse.
How to determine profit motive
This column examines two U.S. Tax Court cases addressing profit motive.
Current Developments in Taxation of Individuals
A number of recent significant developments affect taxation of individuals.
IRS Proposes Changes to Rules for Dependents
The IRS proposed changes to various rules affecting dependents, including changing its position on when taxpayers count as “childless” for purposes of the earned income tax credit.
Standard Mileage Rates for 2017 Are Announced
The IRS issued the 2017 standard mileage rates for determining the deductible costs for operating a vehicle for business, medical, charitable or moving purposes.
Tax Planning for Aging Clients: Medical Expense Deduction for Home Improvements
Many clients making modifications to make homes more accessible may qualify for valuable home improvement medical expense deductions.
IRS Agrees That Mortgage Interest Deduction Limit Applies on Per-Taxpayer Basis
Mortgage interest limitation is meant to apply on a “per-taxpayer” basis, rather than on a “per-residence” basis.
Form 8332 Challenges for Divorced Couples
When parents divorce without a meeting of the minds or a well-crafted agreement, issues can result as to who is entitled to the tax benefits from supporting their children.
IRS Proposes Rules for Reporting and Claiming Tuition Expenses
The IRS is proposing to amend the rules governing eligibility to claim a deduction or credit for eligible education expenses to conform them to recent legislative changes.
Tax Relief for Executive Compensation Clawbacks Under Proposed Dodd-Frank Rules
This article discusses difficult tax problems faced by executive officers whose compensation is clawed back and the limited availability of relief under Sec. 1341.
IRS Issues 2016–2017 Special Per-Diem Rates for Travel
The IRS issued its annual updates of per-diem rates for use in substantiating certain business expenses taxpayers incur when traveling away from home on or after Oct. 1.
Co-op Owner Still Cannot Take Deduction for Wall’s Collapse
Progressive deterioration caused collapse of an 80-year-old retaining wall, making a taxpayer ineligible for casualty loss deduction.
