Category Archives: Deductions

The Mortgage Deduction

Today TaxMama® reads the Tax Prof Blog’s notes about who benefits from the mortgage deduction. According to an analysis reported in the NY Times, only 30% of Americans really benefit from this deduction. They are essentially in the “upper-middle and upper-income households.” Doesn’t that make you feel rich? What is the reality?  

Horsing Around

Today TaxMama® hears from Paul in the TaxQuips Forum who wants to be generous. “I am considering allowing the use of my horse barn to a non-profit horse rescue organization. This group has several rescued horses that need care and would like to board the horses on my property. Can I take advantage of this […]

Taxes After Death

Today TaxMama® hears from Darlene in the TaxQuips Forum with this question. “A couple has filed married filing separately for at least 4 years. About 3 years ago he went into a nursing home. She continue to file married filing separately, preparing his return for him also. The nursing home took just about all his […]

Sloppy 1099ing

Today TaxMama® hears from Gary in the TaxQuips Forum who has this problem. Let me paraphrase:  “Gary has already filed his LLC’s tax return, reporting all his income properly. Suddenly, nearly three weeks past the 1099 deadline, he gets a 1099 showing income he received, plus reimbursements for materials and supplies – that were not […]

Landlord Costs

  Today TaxMama hears from Eric in the TaxQuips Forum, who is a new landlord. “During periods of vacancy (in between tenants), are mortgage and utility bills tax deductible at all? Also are the costs of replacement furnace filters and pest control items, etc. purchased and used by me (the landlord) deductible as operating expenses?”  

Comic Relief

  Today TaxMama hears from K Syl in the TaxQuips Forum, who has a fun idea.  “I have an Internet marketing business – a blog on comic books. The blog will have links for ordering comics to generate income on the blog and Pay Per Click ads. Large portions of the site will be devoted […]

Netting Gambling Losses

  Today TaxMama hears from Linda in the TaxQuips Forum who wants to know. “How do I prove to the IRS that we can now net gambling losses against gambling winnings, per day, per gambling establishment, instead of deducting these losses on Sch A?

Bride Files Alone

Today TaxMama hears from Nancy in the TaxQuips Forum with several questions.  “I am to be married this year. I am going to file as married, filing separately (MFS).  Can I claim my husband since he is disabled and collecting social security disability? Also I understand that I cannot mix the standard deduction and itemizing on […]

Taxes for Helping a Friend

Today TaxMama hears from Gayle in the TaxQuips Forum with a common misconception. She asks, “Do I have to become a business to write off expenses on my taxes? I make a product for a friend of mine. I buy all the materials. I do this to help their family business. They pay me for […]