Q. What is the standard deduction for 1996?

A. The standard deduction is a dollar amount that reduces the amount of income on which you are taxed. The amount of the basic standard deduction depends on your filing status. If you are single, your basic standard deduction for 1996 is $4,000; head of household - $5,900; married filing jointly or qualifying widow or widower - $6,700; or married filing separately - $3,350. Refer to Tax Topic 551, Standard Deduction, for additional information, or Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing information.

Q. Will IRS figure the amount of tax and credits for taxpayers?

A. If you choose, the IRS will figure your tax on Form 1040EZ, Form 1040A, or Form 1040. Refer to Tax Topic 552, Tax and Credits Figured by IRS, for more information. However, there are several requirements you must meet. Refer to Publication 967, The IRS Will Figure Your Tax, to see if you qualify and for details on what information you must provide us, such as which lines you must fill in and which forms you must complete and attach to your return.

Q. My daughter is my dependent and receives dividend income. Does she need to file a federal income tax return?

A. A federal income tax return usually must be filed for a child whose income included investment income, such as interest and dividends, and totals more than $650. There are special rules that affect the tax on certain investment income of a child under age 14. For more information, refer to Tax Topic 553, Tax On A Child's Investment Income, or Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents.

Q. In addition to my regular job, I had a part-time business fixing cars. Do I have to report the money I made during 1996 fixing cars?

A. Yes. This is self-employment income. You must report it on Schedule C or C-EZ Form 1040. You may also have to file Schedule SE and pay self-employment tax. For more information, refer to Tax Topic 554, or Publication 533, Self-Employment Tax.

Q. What are the tax options for lump-sum distributions from retirement plans?

A. Special tax computations are allowed for qualifying recipients of certain lump-sum distributions from retirement plans. Refer to Topic 412 which discusses Lump-Sum Distributions, or Publication 575, Pension and Annuity Income (Including Simplified General Rule).

Q. What is alternative minimum tax?

A. The tax laws give preferential treatment to certain kinds of income and allow special deductions and credits for some kinds of expenses. The alternative minimum tax attempts to ensure that all individuals who benefit from these tax advantages will pay at least a minimum amount of tax. The alternative minimum tax is a separate tax computation that, in effect, reduces the benefit of certain deductions and credits, thus creating a tax liability for an individual who would otherwise pay little or no tax. You may have to pay the alternative minimum tax if your taxable income for regular tax purposes, plus any of the adjustments and preference items that apply to you, is more than a specified exemption amount. To determine if you may be subject to the alternative minimum tax, see the 1996 Form 1040 instructions for line 46, or refer to Form 6251, Alternative Minimum Tax - Individuals.

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