Taxable or Non-Taxable Income - Part 2 | Tax Tip of the Week | No. 93

Understanding the Differences Between Taxable and Non-Taxable IncomeSeveral weeks ago in TTW #81 we looked at this issue.  Here are some additional examples to watch for throughout the year.Generally, most income you receive is considered taxable but there are situations when certain types of income are partially taxed or not taxed at all.To help taxpayers understand the differences between taxable and non-taxable income, the Internal Revenue Service offers these common examples of items not included as taxable income:• Adoption Expense Reimbursements for qualifying expenses• Child support payments• Gifts, bequests and inheritances• Workers' compensation benefits• Meals and Lodging for the convenience of your employer• Compensatory Damages awarded for physical injury or physical sickness• Welfare Benefits• Cash Rebates from a dealer or manufacturerSome income may be taxable under certain circumstances, but not taxable in other situations. Examples of items that may or may not be included in your taxable income are:• Life Insurance - If you surrender a life insurance policy for cash, you must include in income any proceeds that are more than the cost of the life insurance policy. Life insurance proceeds, which were paid to you because of the insured person’s death, are not taxable unless the policy was turned over to you for a price.• Scholarship or Fellowship Grant - If you are a candidate for a degree, you can exclude amounts you receive as a qualified scholarship or fellowship. Amounts used for room and board do not qualify.• Non-cash Income - Taxable income may be in a form other than cash. One example of this is bartering, which is an exchange of property or services. The fair market value of goods and services exchanged is fully taxable and must be included as income on Form 1040 of both parties.For a more complete look at taxable vs. non taxable income refer to IRS Publication 525 - or just give us a call. You can contact us in Dayton at 937-436-3133 and in Xenia at 937-372-3504.  Or visit our website.Rick Prewitt - the guy behind TTW...until next week.