Alternative Minimum Tax Thresholds to Know for Federal Income Tax Accounting

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) thresholds play a key role in Federal Income Tax Accounting. Understanding exemption amounts, phase-out limits, and tax rates helps taxpayers navigate their potential AMT liability and optimize their tax planning strategies effectively.

1. AMT exemption amounts for different filing statuses

   • Single filers have an exemption amount of $81,300 for the tax year 2023.
   • Married couples filing jointly have an exemption amount of $126,500.
   • Heads of household are entitled to an exemption amount of $81,300.
   • These exemption amounts reduce the income subject to AMT.

2. AMT exemption phase-out thresholds

   • The exemption begins to phase out when AMTI exceeds certain thresholds: $578,150 for single and$1,156,300 for married filing jointly.
   • The phase-out reduces the exemption by 25 cents for every dollar of AMTI above the threshold.
   • Once the exemption is fully phased out, taxpayers lose the benefit of the AMT exemption.

3. AMT tax rates (26% and 28%)

   • The AMT tax rate is 26% on the first $199,900 of AMTI for married couples and$99,950 for single filers.
   • Any AMTI above these amounts is taxed at a higher rate of 28%.
   • Understanding these rates is crucial for calculating potential AMT liability.

4. Income threshold for applying the 28% AMT rate

   • The 28% AMT rate applies to AMTI exceeding $199,900 for married couples and$99,950 for single filers.
   • This threshold is important for determining the additional tax liability under AMT.
   • Taxpayers should monitor their AMTI to avoid unexpected tax increases.

5. Alternative minimum taxable income (AMTI) calculation

   • AMTI is calculated by taking regular taxable income and adding back certain tax preference items and adjustments.
   • Key adjustments include state and local tax deductions, personal exemptions, and certain business expenses.
   • The final AMTI figure determines the taxpayer's exposure to AMT.

6. AMT credit carryforward threshold

   • Taxpayers can carry forward AMT credits to offset regular tax liabilities in future years.
   • There is no limit on the number of years AMT credits can be carried forward.
   • This credit is essential for taxpayers who have previously paid AMT and want to reduce future tax burdens.

7. Threshold for corporations subject to AMT

   • Corporations with average annual gross receipts exceeding $7.5 million over the past three years are subject to AMT.
   • The AMT for corporations is calculated differently than for individuals, using a separate set of rules.
   • Corporations must be aware of their gross receipts to determine AMT applicability.

8. Small corporation exemption threshold

   • Small corporations with average annual gross receipts of $7.5 million or less are exempt from AMT.
   • This exemption allows smaller businesses to avoid the complexities of AMT calculations.
   • Corporations should assess their gross receipts to determine eligibility for this exemption.

9. AMT net operating loss (NOL) deduction threshold

   • AMT NOL deductions can only offset 80% of AMTI in the year the NOL is utilized.
   • Taxpayers must calculate NOLs separately for regular tax and AMT purposes.
   • Understanding the limitations on AMT NOL deductions is crucial for tax planning.

10. Adjusted current earnings (ACE) adjustment threshold

    • The ACE adjustment is used to calculate AMT for corporations and can increase AMTI.
    • It includes adjustments for certain tax-exempt income and deductions.
    • Corporations must carefully track ACE adjustments to ensure accurate AMT calculations.