February 2008
by Ben Lawler, CPA
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Prepare for the upcoming tax year, you will 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)

• 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.

Written by Ben Lawler, CPA

CEO & President of ProActive Advisors, Inc.