June 2005 Newsletter continued

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Should you have questions with respect to the information contained in this newsletter or need help with your personal or business financial, tax and accounting activities, please call.

This newsletter offers factual and up-to-date information on the subjects discussed, but should not be regarded as a complete analysis of these subjects.  No party assumes liability for any loss or damage resulting from reliance or use of this material.

  • 2nd quarter individual & corporate estimated tax payment due 6-15-2005.

 

results of these audits to fine-tune the selection formulas for business returns.

 

And the IRS will expand its K-1 document-matching program.  This project searches for unreported income by comparing information on K-1’s with the 1040s of S firm owners, trust beneficiaries and partners.

 

In the past, Congress used to object to big IRS audit initiatives.  But not anymore.  Huge deficits have changed quite a few minds.

Be careful if your main home was acquired in a like-kind swap

Gain on sales within five years of a like-kind exchange are taxed in full.  The home-sale exclusion for as much as $500,000 of gain does not apply.  This rule comes into play when the owner of rental property swaps it for another unit and later converts the home into a primary residence.  The five-year ownership requirement replaces the normal two-year test.

 

This tightening affects homes sold after October 22, 2004.  Thus, like-kind exchanges prior to October 23, 2004 trigger the five-year holding period.  Such swaps are not grandfathered.