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, eliminates many 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 an exemption amount. The exemption amounts are: $45,000 if you are married filing jointly or a qualifying widow or widower; $33,750 if you are single or head of household; or $22,500 if you are married filing separately, or an estate or trust.

To determine if you may be subject to the alternative minimum tax, see the 1996 Form 1040 instructions for line 46.

If you are liable for alternative minimum tax, you should complete Form 6251 Alternative Minimum Tax - Individuals. Refer to Form 6251 and its instructions. If you paid alternative minimum tax last year, you may be eligible to take a special credit against your regular tax. If eligible for 1996, you should report this credit on Line 42 of Form 1040 and check Box C.

Also, use Form 8801, Credit for Prior Year Minimum Tax - Individuals and Fiduciaries.

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