February 2016 Newsletter

Deducting Interest Paid
Among the itemized deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040, you’ll find “Interest You Paid.” As you get your records together for tax preparation, you should realize that not all interest can be deducted on your return. Interest you paid last year on credit card debt generally isn’t deductible, for example. Interest deductions on Schedule A fall into two categories. You probably can deduct interest on debt related to your home, and you might be able to deduct interest on debt you incurred as part of your investment activity.
The IRS May Put You on Hold
During the tax preparation season, business owners, individual taxpayers, and CPAs may have questions for the IRS. If you need to call the agency, be prepared for a long wait. Increased tax code complexity plus budget cuts have resulted in frustrating experiences for many callers.
Portability in Estate Planning
The federal estate tax exemption for deaths in 2016 is $5.45 million. Married couples may be able to pass twice that amount—$10.9 million—to their heirs without triggering estate tax. Some planning is necessary to reach the higher level, but a relatively new tax code provision, known as portability, can simplify the process.
February Tax Calendar
Use our Tax Calendar for important dates and reminders for February of 2016.