Take Credit For Higher Education

HOPE Credit for undergraduates. Up to $1,500 per student per year.
HOPE Credit applies only for the first two years of post-secondary education - such as college or vocational school. It does not apply to graduate and professional level programs.

You're allowed 100% of the first $1,000 of qualified tuition and related fees paid during the tax year plus 50% of the next $1,000-for a maximum credit of $1,500 per eligible student per year. The student must be enrolled at least half-time.

This applies to expenses paid after 12/31/97 for academic periods beginning after that date. See qualifications below.

Lifetime Learning Credit for graduate or undergraduate study. Up to $1,000 per year.
The Lifetime Learning Credit applies to graduate level and professional degree courses, as well as, undergraduate courses including instruction to acquire or improve job skills.

If you qualify your credit equals 20% of the post-secondary tuition and fees you pay during the year - limited to a maximum credit in 1999 of $1,000 per year.

Note: in the year 2003 the maximum Lifetime Learning Credit will increase to $2,000 per year.

The Lifetime Learning Credit can be used for an unlimited number of years - starting with expenses paid after 6/30/98 for academic periods beginning after that date. See qualifications below.

You can't take both credits at once.
You cannot claim both the HOPE and Lifetime Learning Credits for the same student in the same year.

IRA Options To Help You Save For Education

The Education IRA.
You can contribute up to $500 a year, per child until the child turns 18. This is a non-deductible contribution.

Your earnings will grow tax-deferred, just as they would from any other IRA. Later, withdrawals can be made tax-free to the extent that they are not more than the child's qualified education expenses including tuition, books, room, and board.

Special rules for traditional IRAs.
If you use the funds to pay for qualified higher education expenses for yourself, your spouse, child, or grandchild, you can make an early withdrawal from your IRA without paying the usual 10% additional tax on early withdrawals.

The Child Tax Credit-Up To $500 Per Child

This is a full, dollar-for-dollar credit that can cut your 2000 federal income tax by up to $500 per qualifying child.

Who qualifies for the $500 credit?
Your dependent child or descendant, stepchild, or foster child for whom you can claim a dependency exemption. The child must be under 17 as of 12/31/00 and must be a U.S. citizen or resident.

Do you have three or more children?
For three or more qualifying children special rules apply. If your Child Tax Credit was limited you may be entitled to an additional Child Tax Credit. For more information see Form 8812.

Are there income restrictions?
Your total Child Tax Credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 that your Modified Adjusted Gross Income exceeds $110,000 for joint filers; $75,000 if single, head of household, or qualifying widow(er); or $55,000 if married filing separately.

How do you claim this credit?
Figure your credit using the worksheet in Form 1040 or 1040A instructions. Then enter it on Line 43 of your Form 1040, or Line 28 on Form 1040A. For more information see Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, Child Tax Credit, Claiming The Credit.

You Don't Pay Tax On A Roth IRA.

You don't even pay tax on the gains, dividends, or interest that build up in a Roth IRA.
The main feature of the Roth IRA is that you don't pay income tax when you withdraw the money. But generally, you must be 59 1/2 and the withdrawal of savings and gains must not be made until after the fifth year, beginning with the year of your first contribution.

Tax-free withdrawals are also allowed for first home purchase ($10,000 lifetime cap) or upon death or disability, after the 5-year requirement is met.

You may be able to convert funds to a Roth IRA from a traditional IRA to save taxes on future interest.
The taxable amount withdrawn from your traditional IRA must be reported as taxable income for the year you convert it. However, you are exempted from paying the 10% additional tax on the early withdrawal. This conversion is not allowed if your Modified Adjusted Gross Income is over $100,000, or your filing status is married filing separately.

Note:

• Total contributions to all traditional and Roth IRAs, other than employer contributions, cannot exceed $2,000 per taxpayer per year.
• You can still roll over money from an employer's qualified retirement plan to a traditional IRA but you cannot roll it over directly to a Roth IRA.

Guidelines for your Roth IRA:
The maximum Roth IRA contribution of $2,000 per year is allowed for individuals of any age with taxable compensation and a Modified Adjusted Gross Income below $150,000 for married filing jointly; or $95,000 for a single taxpayer, head of household, or married filing separately (if you did not live with your spouse at any time during the year); or $10,000 for married filing separately (who lived together during the year).

This maximum phases out for AGI between $150,000 to $160,000 for married filing jointly; or $95,000 to $110,000 for a single taxpayer, head of household, or married filing separately (if you did not live with your spouse at any time during the year). For married individuals filing separately, who lived together during the year, the phase-out is from $0 to $10,000.

Participation in an employer's retirement plan does not affect your eligibility for a Roth IRA.

Traditional IRAs are still a good choice for immediate tax savings.
Remember, traditional IRAs allow you to deduct the contribution the year you contribute if you qualify. Tax is deferred until withdrawal - usually after retirement. Then you generally are taxed on the total amount.

IRA Flexibility For 2000

You can withdraw up to $10,000 from a traditional or Roth IRA to buy a first home.
You won't be charged the 10% additional tax on early withdrawal if you use the money within 120 days to buy, build, or rebuild a first home. To qualify, the purchase may be for you or your spouse, or either one's children, grandchildren, parents, or grandparents.

You can also withdraw funds from a traditional or Roth IRA for certain educational expenses.
You won't be charged the 10% additional tax on early withdrawal if the amount does not exceed the qualified higher education expenses for you or your spouse, or either one's children or grandchildren.

Why Wait For April 16th?

Start enjoying Taxpayer Relief right away.
Do you expect a bigger tax refund as a result of the Child Tax Credit? One of the college credits? Or another tax break? If so, you can take home more money each payday-starting now-by asking your employer to lower the amount withheld from your pay. Use form W-4, available from your employer or the IRS.

However, to avoid a penalty for underpayment, your withholding and estimated tax payments for the 2000 return must total either 100% of your 1999 tax liability - or at least 90% of the 2000 liability.

Note: If the amount you pay with your return is less than $1,000 there is no penalty.

Questions?
For further details, consult your IRS tax instructions or your tax preparer.

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