Editor's note: This is the transcript of Kiplinger Editorial Director Kevin McCormally's commentary on the March 26 broadcast of Nightly Business Report.
I got a question the other day from a Nightly Business Report viewer wondering if she'd come up with a clever way around the alternative minimum tax. She knew that one of the things that can trigger the AMT is a fat state income-tax deduction. Could she simply not claim all of her state income tax, if that would save her from being tossed into the notorious netherworld of the alternative minimum tax?
Believe it or not, the IRS recently took a taxpayer to court for trying to do just that -- avoid the AMT by not claiming all of her legitimate tax breaks. And, the IRS won. A federal court said the alternative minimum tax is figured the same way whether or not a taxpayer takes advantage of all of her deductions on her regular tax return.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
But here's the most interesting thing about that case: Imposing the AMT did not add one dime to what the taxpayer owed the IRS. And that brings us to a critical issue for the viewer who asked the question ... and for all of you.
Remember this: You only pay the AMT when it's more than your regular income tax liability.
So, if you avoid the AMT by increasing your regular tax bill -- by skipping itemized deductions or exemptions for your kids, for example -- you're not doing yourself any favor. In fact, you're shooting yourself in the foot. The IRS is still going to collect the same amount ... or maybe more.
Now, in cases involving certain tax credits that are allowed under the regular rules but wiped out by the AMT, skipping a regular tax break to avoid the AMT might save some money. But don't think you can come out ahead by forfeiting itemized deductions.
See Kevin's previous tip.
-
IRS: Here’s How to Recover Your Tax Records After a Natural DisasterTax Records Your tax documents can help you get federal relief faster, the IRS says.
-
Voters Approve New Veteran Property Tax ReliefTax Relief Thanks to the election, some Veterans will soon see expanded property tax exemptions.
-
Nevada Approves Diaper Tax Relief Amid Childcare CrisisTax Relief Nevada voters have expanded sales tax relief to diapers. But are prices still too high?
-
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2024: How Much Will You Get?Tax Credits The refundable amount for workers with or without children is slightly higher this year. Here’s what you need to know.
-
Five Cities With the Lowest Property Tax in the U.S.Property Tax Property taxes are ultra-low in these popular metro areas, but is housing affordable?
-
IRS Expands Tax Breaks for Breast Cancer Screenings, ContraceptivesHealthcare Now you can get a tax deduction or reimbursement for certain medical expenses, like over-the-counter birth control and condoms.
-
Colorado Sending Billions in TABOR RefundsState Tax Are you receiving a TABOR refund with your 2025 Colorado state income tax filing? Don’t miss the deadline.
-
Adoption Tax Credit 2024: What You Need to KnowTax Credits The federal adoption tax credit is slightly higher for 2024. Here’s what you can claim under the tax break designed to help grow your family.
