March 2015 DiSabatino CPA Newsletter

For many the transition to retirement means adjusting to a fixed income that is often lower than the income you received while employed. To make matters worse, the most valuable asset you have is usually your home, but it cannot be readily turned into cash. To help with this lack of financial liquidity, banks offer reverse mortgages as a way to tap into the equity of your home.

How a reverse mortgage works

A reverse mortgage is a special bank loan to a qualified senior citizen (age 62 and over) that enables older homeowners to tap the equity they have in their home. Importantly, no repayment of the loan is required until the home is no longer the borrower's primary residence. This means you can receive cash today based upon the equity of your home without making loan payments. The bank receives repayment for their loan out of the proceeds obtained when the home is sold at a later date.

Why does the bank do this?

First, the bank charges up-front fees to create the reverse mortgage.

Second, the bank still receives their interest, service fees and principal. They just need to be patient as the payments occur after the borrower leaves the home (usually when the house is sold).

Third, the bank has little risk. The bank is insured by a federal agency so their risk is controlled and they are guaranteed repayment.

What are the advantages?

	You can use the equity of your home without the burden of house payments or selling your home.
	You retain title to your home.
	It is a HUD program, ensuring Federal compliance and consistency within the program.
	Eligibility has few restrictions. You must be over 62, occupy the property as a primary residence, and own the home free and clear (or have little remaining balance on the mortgage).
	Most single-family dwellings qualify (up to a four unit dwelling).
	The amount that can be borrowed is based upon a HUD formula that uses the age of the youngest homeowner, interest rate, and appraised value of the home. There are also upper borrowing limits.
	Cash advances from the program can be used for any purpose.
	The income is tax-free and will not impact Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid benefits.

What are the Pitfalls?

	The closing costs for a reverse mortgage are high. While all but the application fee can usually be folded into the reverse mortgage, the cost should be weighed against the outright sale of the home.
	Passing your home to your beneficiaries becomes limited. Once you move or pass away the reverse mortgage becomes payable. Your inheritance would then be reduced by the amount owed.
	What is the plan? If you are planning to move in the near future it may be better to sell your home to tap the equity versus undertaking the expense of a reverse mortgage.
	Is it a legitimate reverse mortgage? Make sure the reverse mortgage program is a HUD program. If not, the program may contain some unforeseen risks.

While not for everyone, reverse mortgages are an option to use the equity of your home if you are retired and on a fixed income. If you are interested, most programs provide a free face-to-face counseling session from an independent counselor prior to a bank being allowed to offer the reverse mortgage.

Each year the IRS announces the "Dirty Dozen Tax Scams" they encounter most frequently regarding frivolous tax arguments and fraud. While seven of the "scams" are related to, "don't cheat we have our eyes on you," the other five are scams that all of us should be ready to detect so we do not become victims.

	Phone scams. This tax scam has appeared on the IRS list for many years. What is new this year is the increase in volume and the threatening nature of the calls. These scam artists often have some of your personal information and can fool your caller id to falsely identify themselves. How would you react if someone threatened you with jail time, deportation or license revocation? Remember, never give information over the phone to someone claiming to be from the IRS when they call.
	Phishing. This recurring scam involves receiving fake emails and website links that look like the real deal. The IRS will not send you billing information or refund information via email. Do not click on any link from an email received from the IRS unless you requested it. Remember the IRS does not initiate contact through emails.

	Identity Theft. The IRS is taking precautionary measures to curtail this problem. This year the IRS is limiting the number of direct deposits it will make to any single account. There are now taxpayer single use tax id's attached to tax returns that have had identity problems. Some states have even shut down software e-file transmissions from providers with possible fraud problems like Turbo Tax. Here is a link to the IRS identity protection page should you wish to know more. Reporting IRS identity theft
	Offshore accounts. The IRS has taken many enforcement actions in this area after breaking the long-standing secrecy wall of Swiss bank accounts. If you have money in foreign accounts, you must understand the reporting requirements or you could be subject to substantial fines.
	Fake Charities. After major disasters, many charitable givers are scammed into making donations to fake charities. In addition, new IRS charitable organization reporting requirements are not being followed by many organizations. This makes donations to them non-deductible. To protect against this, prior to donating funds make sure the charity is both legitimate and deemed a qualified charity by the IRS. If in doubt, you can always check to see if a charity is approved on the IRS web site. Here is a link to their tool. IRS Exempt Organization Check

Studies by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) show that many taxpayers who are eligible for education related tax relief don't take advantage of it. The key reasons are:

There are too many programs. If one includes tax credits, expense deductions, and special savings programs, there are more than ten different tax breaks for education. The rules vary. Each educational tax break comes with a different set of rules. Different qualifying income levels, the age of a student, the level of education, the timing of expenses and their interrelationship all make navigation of your options complex. To help clarify your options here are three of the most popular educational tax breaks and some related tips.

	American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). This is a maximum $2,500 credit for a student who could be you, a spouse, or a dependent of yours. The student must be enrolled at least half-time and the credit is available for up to four years of post-secondary education (college). This credit is a per student credit and may be refundable for up to 40% of the credit amount. Income limit: $90,000 single; $180,000 married filing joint
	Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC). The LLC is a maximum annual per taxpayer credit of $2,000. It is available to a student who is you, your spouse or a dependent. It covers any stage of post-secondary education as long as the student is enrolled in courses that lead to a degree, certificate or credential. The credit applies to 20% of the first $10,000 in qualified expenses. Income limit: $65,000 single; $130,000 married filing joint
	Tuition and Fees Deduction. This on again, off again tax benefit is still available for your 2014 tax return. While not currently available for 2015, this deduction has been extended so many times, that it may be extended once again. This deduction can cut as much as $4,000 off your taxable income.

Which is right for you?

Determining which program is right for you takes tax planning. Remember you may not double dip expenses OR programs. This means you may not use the same qualified educational expense for multiple programs (including applying the expense to any scholarship or other benefit). However, if you have more than one student, you can apply different programs to different students. Other considerations;

	The LLC is per taxpayer while the AOTC is per student.
	The income limitations are highest for AOTC.
	If considering graduate studies, you may wish to first use the AOTC as it is limited to four years of post-secondary studies.
	The LLC and AOTC are almost always a better option than the Tuition and Fees deduction. This is because a tax "credit" directly reduces tax, while the deduction reduces income.
	Remember there are other educational tax benefits. Some of these other programs include student loan interest deductions, using Coverdell Savings or 529 Savings programs, employer educational assistance, and special deductibility of certain US savings bonds.