Monthly Archives: May 2013

IRS Offers Simpified Home-Office Deductions

For 2013, there is a new simplified method of claiming home-office deductions. The new procedure doesn't replace the current actual cost method, but it offers a "safe-harbor" alternative.

Under the current "actual" method, you determine the actual home office expenses such as depreciation, property taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs and mortgage interest (or rent, if a tenant). Deductible expenses are based on the percentage of your home devoted to business use (square footage of your home office to the entire home).

Under the optional "simplified" new method, you simply multiply the square footage of your home office by $5.00. The maximum allowable area for for home-office deductions is 300 square feet, which caps the deduction at $1,500.

The following considerations apply to either method:

  • The area claimed must be regularly and exclusively for business. This means it must be either your principle place of business or a place where you meet or deal with customers in the ordinary course of business. If you're an employee, the use of your home must be for your employer's convenience.
  • For each year, the deduction is limited to the net business income remaining after all other deductions have been subtracted.
  • Business expenses not connected to the use of your home (such as supplies, advertising, and wages) remain fully deductible.

You are permitted to change between the simplified and actual methods from year to year, but the method you choose is irrevocable for that year. If the use of the home office is merely appropriate and helpful, you cannot deduct expenses for the business use of your home.

New Estate Tax Rules Bring Calm After the Storm

To the relief of taxpayers and planners, Congressional action made only small changes to the
estate rules.

  • The estate and gift tax exemptions are $5,250,000 in 2013, up from $5,120,000 in 2012. This will adjust for inflation going forward.
  • The top tax rate for estates and gifts exceeding the exemption is 40%, up from 35% in 2012, but better than the 55% rate that would have been the law had Congress not acted.
  • A surviving spouse is still able to access the unused portion of the estate exemption of the deceased husband or wife.

It's important to note that the exemption applies to both inheritances and lifetime gifts. The cumulative combined "transfer" exemption will be $5,250,000 whether the money is given away before or after you die. In addition, you can give away up to $14,000 annually to as many recipients as you like without tapping into your lifetime transfer tax exemption.

Average folks with estates far under $5 million may wonder how any of this applies to them. But the reality is everyone needs an estate plan. The backbone of your estate plan is a will, an essential legal tool to ensure your final wishes are honored. A will can also indicate who will take care of your children should you pass away, and how the children can access their inheritance. If you want to include your favorite charity in your estate plans, there are strategies available to benefit both family and charity alike.

Also, it is important to remember that states have their own rules. Washington State does not have a gift tax, but the estate tax starts at $2 million.

While it’s tempting to breathe a sigh of relief, don't let the current rules lull you into complacency. Contact us and your attorney for a review of your estate plans today.