In my previous post, the second in this three-part series, we began a discussion of income tax deductions included on IRS Form 1040, lines 23-27. In this article, we'll finish with the deductions from gross income on lines 28-35 of the 1040.
To reiterate why looking at a client's tax return is important, recall that I'm not suggesting an advisor should replace a client's CPA. I am suggesting that an advisor who learns more about the tax code will provide more value to the client, showcase the advisor's value and may place an advisor in a better position to serve as team coordinator for clients with multiple advisors.
Deductions From Lines 28-35 of the 1040
Line 28: SEP, SIMPLE IRA, and Qualified Plans
Elective deferrals to a 401(k) plan, 403(b) plan, section 457 plan, SIMPLE plan, or the federal Thrift Savings Plan are excluded from box 1 of the W-2.
As a result, these amounts are excluded from gross income. In addition, self-employed individuals who file Schedule C can list retirement plan contributions in Part II, Expenses. For the self-employed who do not use one of the previously mentioned options, line 28 of the 1040 is available.
Regardless of the method chosen, the amount contributed reduces a person's income tax liability.
Line 29: Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction
If the taxpayer was self-employed, they may be able to deduct the amount paid for health insurance. This deduction also includes the amount paid for a spouse and dependents. The insurance can also cover a child who is under age 27 at year end, even if the child is not a dependent.
To claim a deduction for the cost of health insurance, one of the following statements must be true:
- The taxpayer was self-employed and had a net profit for the year reported on Schedule C, C-EZ, or F.
- The taxpayer was a partner with net earnings from self-employment.
- The taxpayer used one of the optional methods to figure net earnings from self-employment on Schedule SE.
- The taxpayer received wages in 2014 from an S Corporation in which he was a more-than-2% shareholder. Health insurance premiums paid or reimbursed by the S Corporation are shown as wages on Form W-2.
The insurance plan must be established under the business. In the case of a sole proprietorship, the policy can be in the name of the person or the business. In a partnership, the policy can be in the name of either partner. There are several additional rules which must be met to obtain this deduction. For more information, please refer to Publication 535, Business Expenses, Chapter Six, Insurance. You may also refer to the instructions for Form 1040, Line 29.
Line 30: Penalty on Early Withdrawal of Savings
The information for this line is derived from Form 1099-INT or Form 1099-OID. Penalties include interest or principal forfeited because of an early withdrawal from a CD, which is deductible from gross income. For more on this, please refer to the instructions for tax year 2015 Forms 1099-INT and 1099-OID.
Line 31: Alimony Paid
Taxpayers who are required to pay alimony under a divorce or separation agreement may be able to deduct the amount paid. The person receiving the alimony may be required to claim the amount paid as taxable income and must provide their Social Security number to the person making the payments or face a possible penalty.
Line 32: IRA Deduction
There are many rules governing the traditional IRA. Because of this, we'll focus on the rules that determine if IRA contributions are deductible and how to claim the deduction.
