Refinancing Your Home Mortgage

What's deductible and what's not?

While there are benefits to refinancing your home mortgage, most refinancing costs are not deductible on your tax return. There is one exception, however. The amount you pay for points, or prepaid interest, may be amortized over the life of your new loan. Although this might not amount to much when you spread it out over 15, 20, or 30 years, don't file away your closing papers quite yet.

When the note is paid off, you may deduct the remaining interest attributed to the points you paid the first time you refinanced. However, according to the IRS, refinancing must be done at a different lender. In addition, the closing costs may reduce the taxable gain when you sell your home.

Tax Tips Small Business

Employee Meals: When Does the 50-Percent Limit Apply?

Don't reduce your deduction if you aren't required to

In most cases, an employer is only allowed to deduct one-half of the expense that is paid to employees for meals. However, in some instances, the full amount is allowed.

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Small Business Quick Tip

SS Wage Base

The Social Security wage base increases to $106,800 in 2009 and 2010. This means that you are no longer required to withhold social security tax for employees after meeting this threshold. However, you are required to withhold Medicare taxes regardless of the amount of wages paid.
Saturday, 25th May 2013
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Tax Tips Personal

Do You Have Debt Forgiveness?

You may not have to include it in income

When you are liable for a loan but can't repay it, some lenders will forgive the debt. What many borrowers don't realize is that this cancellation of debt results in taxable income in the year of forgiveness. The lender usually will issue a 1099-C to report the cancelled debt. If you receive one, don't ignore it. Be sure to give it to your tax preparer and discuss the circumstances surrounding the loan.

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Personal Quick Tip

Qualified Tuition Plan

It doesn't appear that a college education will get cheaper any time soon. Look into establishing a qualified tuition plan for your children. The earnings in the account grow tax-free. As long as the funds are spent on qualified education expenses, there are no tax consequences. Plus, there may be an added tax benefit at your state level.