When tax preparation time comes there can be an array of questions about federal tax deductions and what to report as income on your federal tax return. This Insurance Tax Dos and Don'ts list of federal tax tips will hopefully help many with federal tax questions regarding insurance whether on a personal or business level. [preparation]Although some of the federal tax preparation points below may be confusing if one is not familiar with the federal tax laws, this list will still be very beneficial to even those who use a tax preparer. Just print out the list below and give it to your tax preparer to make sure they don't forget any deductions you may have coming on your tax return.
1.Do remember to include insurance as a deduction for your vehicle on your federal tax return: If one uses their car for business purposes and chooses to deduct their actual expenses instead of their mileage (only one can be chosen), besides deducting depreciation, gas, oil, tires, licenses, repairs and the related, the insurance premiums may also be deductible. Remember, if one chooses to take the actual expenses deduction instead of the mileage deduction they cannot choose the mileage deduction in later returns.
2.Do deduct your health and long-term care insurance premiums on your federal tax return: A self-employed person may be able to deduct 100% of health and long-term medical costs for themselves, their spouse, and their dependants. When doing your tax preparation be aware that this deduction is taken as an adjustment to income and it can only be taken if the self-employed person or spouse are not covered by an employer health insurance plan.
3.Do see if you qualify to deduct medical expenses on your federal tax return: Depending on one's income, certain medical expenses including health insurance and dental insurance premiums along with some amounts paid for long-term care insurance contracts may be deductible. This deduction is limited to costs over 7.5% of one's income.
4.Do plan your medical procedures and expenses for the maximum deduction: Since certain medical expenses are limited to costs over 7.5% of one's income, when doing your tax preparation don't forget to schedule and pay for procedures before December 31 of the tax year the deduction is desired may be beneficial to certain persons.
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