Taxation Legal Terms and Definitions

Federal income tax The federal government levies a tax on personal income. The federal income tax provides for national programs such as defense, foreign affairs, law enforcement, and interest on the national debt. Estate and Gift Tax One of the oldest and most common forms of taxation is the taxation of property held by an individual at the time of their death. Such a tax can take the form, among others, of estate tax (a tax levied on the estate before any transfers). An estate tax is a charge upon the decedent's entire estate, regardless of how it is disbursed. Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) Tax Provides benefits for retired workers and their dependents as well as for disabled workers and their dependents. Also known as the Social Security tax. Meal Expense Deduction Generally, you can deduct only 50% of your business-re-lated meal expenses while traveling away from your tax home for business purposes. Also, you can generally de­duct only 50% of certain reimbursements you make to your employees for meal expenses they incur while traveling away from home on business. Depreciation and Section 179 Expense 50% special depreciation allowance. For qualified property you acquire after May 5, 2003, you can take a special depreciation allowance that is equal to 50% of the property's depreciable basis. However, instead of claiming the 50% special allowance, you can elect to claim the 30% special allowance or elect not to claim any special allowance. Work Opportunity Credit and Welfare-to-Work Credit The work opportunity credit and the welfare-to-work credit are scheduled to expire for wages paid to individuals who began working for you after 2003. Excise tax A tax on the sale or use of specific products or transactions. Income taxes Taxes on income, both earned (salaries, wages, tips, commissions) and unearned (interest, dividends). Income taxes can be levied on both individuals (personal income taxes) and businesses (business and corporate income taxes). Electric and Clean-Fuel Vehicles For vehicles placed in service in 2004, the maximum clean-fuel vehicle deduction and qualified electric vehicle credit are scheduled to be reduced by 25%, as compared to 2003. Earned Income Credit A tax credit for certain people who work, meet certain requirements, and have earned income under a specified limit.

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	Did You Know?
	If you have employees, you are responsible for Federal Taxes If you have employees, you are responsible for several federal, state, and local taxes. As an employer, you must withhold certain taxes from your employees pay checks. Employment taxes include the following. Federal income tax withholding Social Security and Medicare taxes Federal unemployment tax act (FUTA).