Taxation Legal Terms and Definitions

Federal income tax The federal government levies a tax on personal income. The federal income tax provides for national programs such as defense, foreign affairs, law enforcement, and interest on the national debt. Exemptions Amount that taxpayers can claim for themselves, their spouses, and eligible dependents. There are two types of exemptions-personal and dependency. Each exemption reduces the income subject to tax. The exemption amount is a set amount that changes from year to year. Work Opportunity Credit and Welfare-to-Work Credit The work opportunity credit and the welfare-to-work credit are scheduled to expire for wages paid to individuals who began working for you after 2003. Depreciation and Section 179 Expense 50% special depreciation allowance. For qualified property you acquire after May 5, 2003, you can take a special depreciation allowance that is equal to 50% of the property's depreciable basis. However, instead of claiming the 50% special allowance, you can elect to claim the 30% special allowance or elect not to claim any special allowance. Installment Agreements To be eligible for an installment agreement, all returns that are due must first be filed. Installment agreements generally require equal monthly payments. The amount of an installment payment will be based on the amount owed and on the taxpayer’s ability to pay that amount within the time legally available for the IRS to collect. Meal Expense Deduction Generally, you can deduct only 50% of your business-re-lated meal expenses while traveling away from your tax home for business purposes. Also, you can generally de­duct only 50% of certain reimbursements you make to your employees for meal expenses they incur while traveling away from home on business. Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Tax Provides benefits for retired workers and their dependents as well as for disabled workers and their dependents. Also known as the Social Security tax. Family daycare providers A family daycare provider is a person engaged in the business of providing family daycare. Earned Income Credit A tax credit for certain people who work, meet certain requirements, and have earned income under a specified limit. Gross income Money, goods, services, and property a person receives that must be reported on a tax return. Includes unemployment compensation and certain scholarships. It does not include welfare benefits and nontaxable Social Security benefits.

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	Corporate Reorganizations; Transfers of Assets or Stock Following a Reorganization These proposed regulations address the effect of transfers of the assets or the stock of parties to a reorganization pursuant to transactions intended to qualify as reorganizations within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. REG-130863-04. Published August 17, 2004.