| 22 December |
New Tax Forms Give Homeowners Relief |
It’s shaping up to be a less-painful year for many taxpayers who are preparing their 2007 returns.
For one thing, most filers will be getting a special payment from the government, thanks to the economic stimulus package enacted last week. Additionally, some taxpayers who may have been puzzled trying to claim certain deductions a year ago — including one for state and local sales taxes — shouldn’t have any problem this year because those deductions are clearly marked on the 2007 forms. There’s also a new deduction for mortgage insurance.
Another twist: a new law that will benefit strapped homeowners whose mortgage debt was forgiven, in part or in whole, during 2007. On the downside, there are tough new record-keeping rules for charitable donations. (more…)