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Tax Deductions and Credits
Different Types of Credits to be Aware of While Filing Taxes
by InvestorGuide Staff (Write for us!)
(Click on the links within the article to get definition of that word)
You begin earning Social SecurityCredits when
you start working in a job that has Social Security benefits. Every year, your wages are posted on your record; those wages determine the number of credits for each individual. These credits determine retirement, disability or survivor benefits at retirement age. In 2008, you receive one credit for every $1050 of earnings, up to a maximum of 4 credits per year. These credits remain in your record as you change jobs or if you have no job.
The credits needed for the different benefits follow:
For retirement benefits, 40 credits are required (if born after 1929).
For disability benefits, the number of credits depends on the age. In general, people under 24 need six credits, but above that the credits vary with age.
Survivor benefits depend on the person's birth year; people born in or before 1929 need one credit for each year after 1950 until their death and for those born after 1930, one credit is needed for each year after age 21 until their death.
Medicare eligibility also depends on the number of Social Security credits.
When you retire you can start receiving Social Security benefits right away, however, if you delay those benefits, you can get a social security credit of 5.5% for each year you delay the payments.
The earned income tax credit (EIC) is a relief from the Social
Security tax for working, low-income people. Any amount of the credit that exceeds the taxpayer's tax liability is refundable. Single or married people who worked full-time or part-time at some point can qualify for the EIC, depending on their income. Workers who were raising one child in their home and had family income of less than $33,241 (or $35,241 for married workers) in 2007 can get an EIC of up to $2,853. Workers who were raising more than one child in their home and had family income of less than $37,783 (or $39,723 for married workers) in 2007 can get an EIC of up to $4,716. Workers who were not raising children in their home, were between ages 25 and 64 on December 31, 2007, and had income below $12,590 (or $14,590 for married workers) can get an EIC of up to $428. Children must be under 19 and living with you in order to qualify for this credit.
The HOPE Credit can be claimed during the first two years of post-secondary education of a dependent. The amount of the credit is 100% of the first $1,100 of tuition and other school-related expenses, plus 50% of the next $1,100 of tuition and other school-related expenses. This credit phases out at a modified AGI between $47,000 and $57,000 for single persons, or between $94,000 and $114,000 for married couples filing jointly. Married couples filing separately cannot claim this credit.
The Lifetime Learning Credit allows you to apply 20% of the first $10,000 of qualified education expenses you paid for all eligible students or a maximum credit of $2,000.
Adoption Credit
Child adoption has a tax
credit of up to $11,650 for adoptions finalized in 2007. If the adoption is a special needs child certified by the state, the requirement of 'qualifying expenses' will be eliminated. In other words, all taxpayers who complete an adoption that includes adoption assistance will qualify for a full $11,650 tax credit even if they had zero expenses. The credit phases out at an AGI of $170,820 and is unavailable if your AGI exceeds $210,820.
If you work, your childcare expenses are not subject toincome tax, social security tax or Medicare tax for up to $6,000. The credit entitles you to a maximum of $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more children. You cannot make claims if the person taking care of your child or children is a child under 19 or anyone you claim as a dependent.
Dependent Care Credit
You can take a dependent care credit if you are caring for a disabled person who is unable to take care of himself or herself.
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