IRS releases 2008 tax figures

As you prepare for the upcoming tax year, I thought you
might find this brief rundown of 2008 tax changes useful.

* ADOPTION TAX CREDIT increases to $11,650 for adoption
of an eligible child.

* SECTION 179 maximum deduction increases to $128,000.
Phase-out threshold increases to $510,000.

* STANDARD MILEAGE RATE for business driving increases
to 50.5¢ a mile. Rate for medical and moving mileage
decreases to 19¢ a mile. Rate for charitable driving
remains at 14¢ a mile.

* ESTATE TAX top rate remains at 45%, and the exemption
amount remains at $2 million. The ANNUAL GIFT TAX
EXCLUSION remains at $12,000.

* 401(k) maximum salary deferral remains at $15,500
($20,500 for 50 and older).

* SIMPLE maximum salary deferral remains at $10,500
($13,000 for 50 and older).

* IRA contribution limit increases to $5,000
($6,000 for 50 and older).

* KIDDIE TAX threshold increases to $1,800 and now
applies up to age 19 (up to age 24 for full-time
students).

* NANNY TAX threshold increases to $1,600.

* TRANSPORTATION FRINGE BENEFIT limit increases to $115
for vehicle/transit passes and to $220 for qualified
parking.

* SOCIAL SECURITY taxable wage limit increases to
$102,000. Retirees under age 65 can earn up to $13,560
without losing benefits.

* HOPE CREDIT maximum increases to $1,800.

* HSA CONTRIBUTION limit increases to $2,900 for
individuals and to $5,800 for families. An additional
$900 may be contributed by those 55 or older.

Thanks to the last-minute passage in 2007 of AMT patch
legislation, the AMT exemption amounts for 2007 are
$66,250 for joint filers, $33,125 for couples filing
separately, and $44,350 for single taxpayers and heads
of household.

For Tax Relief & Tax Resolution help CLICK HERE.
Mike Habib, EA
www.MyIRSTaxRelief.com