Income Tax Preparation

Income Tax Preparation

By Richard Romando

People do not generally think much about taxes, except during the annual tax season. For millions of Americans, it's probably the most dreaded time of the year and most people mark it on their calendars along with holidays and birthdays. However, there is no joy associated with April 15th, the deadline for filing of tax returns.

Preparation of income tax returns is one job that requires concentration and time. It might seem a cumbersome and a tiring job, but it is extremely important.

For calculating tax as an individual, you must start by assessing your gross income, which includes your work income, interest income, pension and annuities. Subtracting any adjustments such as alimony, tax on self employment, retirement plans, education loan interest paid, interest penalty on early withdrawal of savings and others, provides the adjusted gross income (AGI).

After calculating the AGI, there are two options. You can either subtract a standard deduction, or subtract itemized deductions, whichever is greater. Some examples of itemized deductions might include some medical and dental expenses, interest on home mortgages, charitable contributions, state and local taxes and casualty losses.

When you subtract the personal exemptions, you will reach the figure of your taxable income. If your taxable income is more than $100,000 you need to go to the IRS tax rate schedules. Here, things get a little complex because a marginal tax rate system is used. Six tax brackets have been created: 10 percent, 15 percent, 25 percent, 28 percent, 33 percent and 35 percent. What tax bracket you fit in depends upon your income and your marital status.

In the United States of America, tax returns are forms that are filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with the state, or with the local tax collection agency, which has information on how to calculate income tax or other taxes.

Form 1040 is the standard U.S. individual tax return form. Several variations of this form are also available, such as the 1040A and the 1040EZ. In addition to these, different supplemental forms are also found.

One interesting fact is that any income, whether from legitimate or illegitimate business, is taken into consideration for the purpose of taxation. For example, income from the sale of illegal drugs is taxable and is not exempted. Not filing one?s tax returns is also considered a criminal action.

Income Tax provides detailed information on Income Tax, Federal Income Tax, Income Tax Preparation, Income Tax Software and more. Income Tax is affiliated with IRS Tax Problem Help.

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