is now 
As we complete and file our 2014 federal income tax returns, this is a good time to make adjustments as needed affecting our current-year 2015 income tax plan. To help, the IRS has released its list of new income tax changes, rates and updates that are now in effect.
As a reminder, federal income tax is designed to be a pay-as-you-go tax. You are obligated to pay taxes throughout the year as you earn or receive income, and you may be subject to penalties if you don’t. You may pay through payroll withholding, or by paying estimated taxes.
The new updates regarding deductions and exemptions may directly affect the tax you owe. Consider our tax planning services to give you a year-round tax perspective so the annual tax preparation season will go smoother with fewer surprises.
Standard Mileage Rates: For taxpayers claiming itemized deductions, including deducting the cost of operating your personal vehicle for business purposes, the standard mileage rate allowed for business miles driven is now 57.5 cents per mile, up from 56 cents in 2014.
The business standard mileage rate is based on a combination of annual averages of fixed and variable costs of operating a vehicle including not only gas and oil, but also depreciation, insurance, tires and average maintenance and repairs. Some taxpayers may enjoy a greater tax benefit by itemizing their actual annual vehicle costs, but they must choose between the actual costs method and the standard mileage rate deduction.
If you will drive more than usual for medical expenses or because of a move this year, the rate has dropped to 23 cents per mile for this year, down a bit from 2014’s rate of 23.4 cents. The mileage rate allowed for miles driven in service of a charitable organization remains at 14 cents per mile.
Personal Exemptions Changes: For 2015, the personal exemption amount has increased for certain taxpayers. It has increased to $4,000 for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes at or below $309,900 if married filing jointly or if a qualifying widow(er), $284,050 if a head of household, $258,250 if single, or $154,950 if married filing separately. The allowed personal exemption amount for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes above these thresholds has been reduced from 2014 and may be calculated using a new Personal Allowances Worksheet.
Itemized Deductions Limitation: Now in 2015, the total amount allowed for itemized deductions is reduced for taxpayers with adjusted gross income above $309,900 if married filing jointly or a qualifying widow(er), $284,050 if head of household, $258,250 if single, and $154,950 if married filing separately.
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Exemption: The AMT exemption amount is increased to $53,600 ($83,400 if married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er); $41,700 if married filing separately).
Lifetime Learning Credit Income Limits: In order to claim a Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2,000, your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) must be less than $55,000, that’s down considerably from $64,000 in 2014 ($110,000 if married filing jointly, down from $128,000).
Adoption Credit or Exclusion: The maximum adoption credit or exclusion for employer-provided adoption benefits has increased to $13,400. In order to claim either the credit or exclusion, your MAGI must be less than $241,010.
Earned Income Credit (EIC): You may be able to claim the EIC in 2015 if: three or more children lived with you and you earned less than $47,747 ($53,267 if married filing jointly), two children lived with you and you earned less than $44,454 ($49,974 if married filing jointly), one child lived with you and you earned less than $39,131 ($44,651 if married filing jointly), or a child did not live with you and you earned less than $14,820 ($20,330 if married filing jointly).
To learn more about how the 2015 tax year will affect your income tax planning, contact us at McRuer CPAs.
