Tax tips for filing a 2013 tax return

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- More than 40 tax provisions unique to this year’s tax filing season were made to the Tax Code. Here are some things you should know when filing taxes this year:


Your 2013 Individual Federal Income Tax Return is due by April 15, 2014.

For an automatic 6-month extension of time to file, submit Form 4868 to the IRS. Caution: Although Form 4868 allows you more time to file, it does not extend the time to pay your taxes. Filing or paying after the due date may result in penalties and interest.

The personal and dependent exemption amounts have increased to $3,900, up $100 from 2012.

The standard deduction has also increased for 2013. The IRS estimates approximately 66% of taxpayers take the standard deduction, rather than itemizing deductions. The 2013 amounts are:


Single $6,100

Head-of-household $8,950

Married Filing Joint $12,200

Married Filing Separately $6,100


To claim a deduction for business use of your vehicle, use the standard mileage rate of 56.5 cents for each business mile driven.

The alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemption is increased to $51,900 for single filers, $80,800 married-filing-joint, and $40,400 for married-filing-separately.

The 39.6% tax rate on ordinary income for single taxpayers earning over $400K (or $450K married) remains the same.

Capital gains and dividends now have a top tax rate of 20%

The annual exclusion for gifts rises to $14,000 for 2013, up from $13,000 for 2012.

The estate tax exemption increases to $5,250,000 for estates of decedents who died in 2013.

The small employer health insurance credit provides that the maximum credit is phased out based on the employer’s number of full-time equivalent employees in excess of 10 and the employer’s average annual wages in excess of $25,000.

Please contact an Oman Berry & Associates tax professional today with questions regarding tax tips for 2013.