US TAX GUIDE

INDIVIDUALS
Tax Rates for 2001
Capital Gains
Home Sales
Child Tax Credit   Education Related
Saving/Investing/IRA Estimated Taxes
Home Office       
Health Insurance
 
CORPORATION
Net Operating Loss
Stock Sales     EFTPS
AMT
Dividend Deduct
Farmers
Parnerships
 
ESTATES/TRUSTS
Unified Credit
Gift Exclusion
Family Business
Installment Pmts
 
PENSIONS
Excise Tax
Funding Increase Contributions

1997 TAX GUIDE

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Legislation passed by the US Congress in the past few years has resulted in numerous tax law changes. These changes have had and will have a major affect on individuals and owners of small businesses.

The major tax law changes have been documented in many publications and web sites. But few of these sources provide a taxpayer with a complete and easy to access data base of the tax law changes, categorized by who they affect and when they take affect.

There are specific tax laws that were not affected by the taxpayer relief act. Some of these laws are identical to previous years, others have changed based on updated AGI requirements, ceilings, floors, and other numerical  aspects that change from year-to-year.

For information on the new tax laws please select from the menu to the left.

RECENT CHANGES

New Withholding and Estimated Tax Rates for 2nd Half of 2001 (see menu)

New Capital Gains holding period and tax rate.

Exclusion of Profits from Sale of Primary Residence

Home Office Deduction Requirements (less strict)

New Education IRA

New Roth IRA for Tax Exempt Distributions

Estate Tax Exemption Increase and Family Business Exemption

Exclusion of Gains from Small Company Sales

Increased Self-Employed Health Insurance Write-off

Looking for details on the IRS Reform Act of 1998?

For 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act Summary, Click HERE

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Many recent tax law changes that affect individuals and business today can be found in the 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act. Below is a Summary.


1997 TAXPAYER RELIEF ACT - SUMMARY

This act contains provisions that affect individuals, business and estates and trusts. The following table summarizes the major tax law changes contained in the act.

NEW TAX LAW WHO IT AFFECTS
Lower Capital Gains
  • Tax on long-term gains reduced to 20%
  • Holding period increased to 18 months
  • Long term investors
Home Sale Exemption
  • Up to $500,000 gain tax exempt
  • May be available every two years
  • Homeowners, especially the elderly
IRA Limitations Relaxed
  • Income ceiling raised
  • More non-working spouses eligible
  • Increase in 401 (k) maximum contribution
  • Individuals covered by employer plan
  • Spouses of individuals covered by plan
New IRA Vehicles Introduced
  • Roth IRA - gains are tax free
  • Education IRA - up to $500 per child per year
  • Individuals and couples meeting AGI requirements
  • Individuals over 70 1/2 years old with earned income
  • Individuals that want to avoid mandatory distribution at age 70 1/2
  • Grandparents with grandchildren preparing for college
Estate Tax Exemption Increase
  • Estate/Gift Tax exemption increased over time
  • Family business exemption also increased
  • Family business owners
  • Retirees and others with estate planning needs
Additional Credits and Write-offs
  • Easier to qualify for Home Office deduction
  • Child tax credit
  • Increased health cost write-offs for self employed
  • Individuals that perform management and administrative work at home
  • Parents meeting AGI requirements
  • Self-employed individuals