Are you aware that the computation of your income tax requires undergoing two different methods?
Primarily, your tax liability is scrutiny under the regular tax system, which takes into account a preferential treatment of some income and tax credits allocated for certain types of expenses. Following that, your taxes are recalculated using the rules for the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), which erases some tax deductions and credits. If the AMT result is higher, you will be subject to additional taxes alongside your regular income tax. Read further to learn to curb your AMT.
The AMT, rooted in the late 1960s, ensured a minimum level of federal income tax payment from high-income individuals. The AMT, similar to a shadow tax, maintains its own set of rules about deductions, exemptions, and tax rates of 26% and 28%. This is only paid when it results in a higher tax than regular income taxes (before tax credits).
Forecasting your AMT payment is impossible due to the numerous contributing factors such as the types of income, expenses you have, and your filing status. If your regular tax bill elevates you into a tax bracket higher than 28% (higher tax brackets being 32%, 35%, and 37%), you won’t owe AMT as your regular tax already exceeds it. Nevertheless, don't be complacent if you fall into a tax bracket below the AMT (10%, 12%, and 22%).
Your AMT may be significantly influenced by adjustments to your income for regular tax purposes. Those in the 28% tax bracket should compare their AMT and regular tax bills to ascertain their ultimate liability.
The reduction of your income for AMT (called alternative minimum taxable income, or AMTI) is possible through an exemption amount which might reduce or remove your AMT liability. Remember that the exemption amount is subject to your tax status. For instance, 2023 has the following exemptions:
Phasing out begins when AMTI goes beyond these amounts in 2023:
In reference to the “kiddie tax” on unearned income, a child is eligible for a special exemption. For 2022, this exemption lies anywhere below $2,200. The initial $1,150 remains untaxed ($1,250 in 2023), and the following $1,150 is taxed at the child's marginal tax rate. If it crosses this amount, the tax rate equals the parent's.
To ascertain your AMT liability, completion of Form 6251 will be required.
To minimize your AMT liability, it's advisable to maintain your adjusted gross income (AGI) as low as feasible. Some options include: The alternative minimum tax is triggered by the income above the exemption amounts of an individual or a couple. This generally affects higher earners. With AMT being 26% or 28%, taxpayers should calculate their tax twice; using traditional tax computation and the AMT method, then pay whichever tax is higher. For 2023, the exemption amounts for the AMT stands at $81,300 ($75,900 in 2022) for individual filers and $126,500 ($118,100 in 2022) for married couples filing jointly. Only incomes above these exemption amounts are obliged to pay the AMT.
Calculating your AMT or even classifying whether you're liable to it is a complex task. This article provides a basic introduction to AMT, which can't guarantee a thorough understanding of how it might affect your taxes.
In case you lack skills in tax preparation or a comprehensive understanding of AMT operations, consider getting your tax return prepared or reviewed by a tax expert. This ensures whether you owe the AMT, are entitled to exemptions, and are qualified to claim AMT credits for the current or previous years.