Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT):Everything you should know

by Sarath | August 23, 2022 | Alternative Minimum Tax , Calculate AMT

The AMT (alternative minimum tax) is an additional tax system that calculates the tax liability twice. The AMT was introduced as a part to enforce the belief that all taxpayers should pay a minimum share of their income to the federal government, regardless of whether they have many deductions or not. The purpose of AMT was to restrict the tax benefits of taxpayers whose incomes were above a certain threshold. As such, the framework was designed to target certain taxpayers based on their income and deductions. In this article, we will discuss the concept of AMT and its implementation, some of the key facts on how it works, and factors to consider while calculating AMT.

AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)

In the United States, the AMT (alternative minimum tax) has been in effect since 1982. The AMT is a supplement to the regular income tax system and ensures that taxpayers who have significant deductions are not completely shielded from paying taxes. For those affected individuals, the extra deduction or credit they claimed in their income tax returns is subject to AMT.

With the rise of the digital age, most taxpayers easily calculate their tax liability from their income through software programs or online tax calculators. However, the concept of AMT (alternative minimum tax) is based on the principle that people should be held accountable for all of their income, thereby placing a floor on the percentage of taxes.

What is AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)?

The most basic definition of AMT (alternative minimum tax) is a system that calculates the tax liability twice. In this instance, the first calculation is based on your regular income tax and other deductions, but the second calculation takes place under AMT, wherein it has fewer preferences and different exemptions and rates. Well, whichever has the highest amount is the amount that should be paid to the federal government.

This scheme is employed in order to prevent individuals from earning excessive deductions and claiming them to reduce their tax payments. That being said, it is essential to comply with the guidelines and regulations of AMT (alternative minimum tax) when calculating the tax liability for potential taxpayers.

What is AMT credit?

The high rates of AMT (alternative minimum tax) in comparison with regular income taxes often result in significant amounts of money being owed to the United States government. To avoid this scenario, the government has introduced an AMT credit, which acts as a tax credit for individuals who have paid taxes under AMT in the previous year. In essence, it is a reduction amount for any additional taxes that were paid in previous years because of the alternative minimum tax.

It is a rebate mechanism that is used to ensure that excess taxes are returned as credits against regular income taxes in subsequent years. In order to qualify for AMT credit, an individual has to meet certain requirements. In this regard, when the amount you owe for taxes is more than what is required under the AMT (alternative minimum tax), you can claim the credit after meeting the qualifying criteria. Be sure to check out the IRS website for further details on AMT credit and its qualification procedure.

How does AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax) work?

The mechanism of AMT (alternative minimum tax) utilizes two separate calculations. These calculations are done in comparison with the person’s regular income tax and the deductions and exemptions that they claimed and allowed by the IRS. Firstly, an individual’s tax liability is calculated once under the regular income tax system and then again through the AMT. The process of calculating tax liability under AMT uses a separate set of parameters. This is because certain tax preference items are added back into adjusted gross income. As a result, the higher of the two calculations is filed for taxes.

Who is subject to AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)?

The AMT (alternative minimum tax) applies to taxpayers with significant income or deductions according to certain thresholds. As a matter of fact, the AMT threshold is adjusted annually for inflation. If you are subject to AMT, irrespective of normal tax, AMT must be paid. Therefore, the AMT provisions are available only to taxpayers with taxable income that exceeds the specified threshold amounts.

The complexity of AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)

In contrast to the regular income tax, the AMT (alternative minimum tax) calculation is more complex. This is primarily due to the presence of different rates and exemptions for some categories of income. Also, the calculation is based on a different set of parameters from regular income tax. These parameters are adjusted gross income, taxable income, and AMT exemptions.

While the advances in digitalization have made tax calculations relatively easy, most taxpayers can depend on software programs and web-based tax calculators to assist with the calculation. However, it is essential to be aware of the steps and procedures involved in order to ensure accuracy.

Applicability of AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax)

The extent of the application of AMT (alternative minimum tax) varies depending on taxpayers’ income and deductions. As such, it is important that the taxpayer understands how it is calculated and what the implications are, depending on the amount of income. Basically, for the tax year 2021, AMT will be imposed to exceed the income of the individual filers and couple filers at $73,600 and $114,600, respectively.

For the tax year 2022, the threshold is raised to $75,900and $118,100 for individuals and couples, respectively. Alternately, taxpayers should complete Form 6251 to check whether they might owe AMT (alternative minimum tax). This implies that the AMT tax rates are applied to different income thresholds and that there are several exclusions to the AMT.

Factors to consider before calculating AMT

Now that we understand AMT (alternative minimum tax), it is time to learn about the factors that influence its calculation. Following are some of the important factors to consider before calculating AMT.

Exemptions – Tax exemptions are partial or complete reduction of tax liability. In regard to AMT (alternative minimum tax), there are many exemptions. These include the exemption based on the value of income and on the amount of alternative minimum taxable income (AMTI). It is essential to check out the AMT exemption list, or a taxpayer may file Form 6251 in order to identify the applicable exemptions and the exclusions.
Depreciation and adjustment – When calculating AMT (alternative minimum tax), the taxpayer is required to properly account for the depreciation and adjustment factors. Since there are various adjustments, it is prudent to determine which expenses are applicable to a taxpayer.
Taxpayer and rates – According to different tax rates and brackets, it is necessary to determine the applicable amount of income. In this respect, it is important to understand the implications of AMT (alternative minimum tax) and to take note of the correct tax rate.
Individual adjustment – The AMT (alternative minimum tax) trigger adjustment is used in the calculation of AMT. An individual adjustment is used to indicate that certain adjustments apply to AMT, such as the losses and deductions related to limited partnership interests and tax shelters.
Corporation adjustment – The corporation adjustment or corporation modification is used to indicate that adjustments specific to corporations apply to AMT (alternative minimum tax). These adjustments are related to the value of the losses from resource properties.
Tax references – Tax law references are essential because they comprise all laws governing AMT (alternative minimum tax). As such, it is important for taxpayers to understand how AMT is applied and what factors determine its calculation in regard to these references.
Losses – Any potential losses or adjustments triggered by the adjustment of AMT can be considered. As such, it is essential to understand how to offset any potential losses and adjustments before calculating AMT (alternative minimum tax).
Credits – The federal political contribution tax credit and investment tax credit are two major AMT adjustments. Both of these adjustments are applicable for AMT (alternative minimum tax), which means that taxpayers should ensure the calculation of AMT is considered.
Stock options – The primary stock option deductions that are provided for AMT (alternative minimum tax) should be calculated correctly. The objective behind this is to avoid any underpayments or overpayments.

How to calculate AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax?

Well, we have addressed some of the relevant issues, and it is time to learn alternative minimum tax calculations. The fundamental steps and procedures for calculating the tax liability under AMT (alternative minimum tax) are given below.

Step 1 – Taxable income – The first step is to calculate regular income tax under AMT (alternative minimum tax). This is done by using the applicable fractions, including preferential tax deductions and credits. Further, you are required to make certain adjustments.
Step 2 – Add back preferential tax – In this step, you are required to add back preferential tax such as capital gains.
Step 3 – Add 30% of capital gains – You are required to calculate 30% of the capital gains, wherein 80% of capital gains will now be taxable instead of the normal 50%.
Step 4 – Subtract the dividend gross-up – After determining the tax liability, you are required to deduct the dividend gross-up. This step is important because you will now determine the total AMTI.
Step 5 – Subtract $40,000: As a fixed exemption, you are required to subtract $40,000.
Step 6 – Subtract personal credits: After AMTI, you are now required to subtract personal credits. This results in the amount of AMT (alternative minimum tax).
Step 7 – Calculate federal income tax: The usual way to calculate federal income tax must be conducted.

As a result, the AMT (alternative minimum tax) and an individual’s tax liability under the regular income are determined; the higher value from either method is the individual’s final tax liability. Essentially, if the AMT is less than the regular tax liability, the government gains assurance that the taxpayer paid fair and proper income tax.

Example calculation

The standard formula to calculate AMT is:

AMT Amount = A * (B – C) – D

Where:

A – The tax rate
B – An individual’s adjustable tax income
C – $40,000, which is the AMT exemption amount
D – Allowable non-refundable tax credits

Let us now explore the formula through an alternative minimum tax example. An individual with an income of $300,000 and deductions of $150,000. In this, the average federal tax rate of 22% and non-refundable tax credits is $0.

The first step here is to re-adjust the individual’s income by adding back the deductions, which is $300,000.
Then, deduct the $40,000 from $300,000, which is the AMT exemption amount, which is $260,000.
Now, multiply by 15% (15% x $260,000 = $39,000).

The AMT amount is, therefore, $39,000.

On the other hand, under the regular income method;

$300,000 – $150,000 = $150,000
22% x $150,000 = $33,000

Therefore, the value of AMT (alternative minimum tax) is greater than the regular method by $6,000. Hence, the taxpayer will have to pay the $39,000.

AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax) reporting requirements

The reporting requirement for AMT can be completed by providing proof of income along with the supporting documents; the taxpayer is required to report their income properly. In addition, taxpayers must disclose how much of the AMT (alternative minimum tax) has been paid in the previous years. Overall, taxpayers are required to file their tax returns every year, which includes filing Form 6251 in the case of AMT.

Get help from Eqvista for your AMT (alternative minimum tax)

AMT is an important tax system that is considered in terms of filing your taxes. The AMT is completely different from the regular income tax. It is important to understand this difference and consider the implications of filing your taxes under the AMT to avoid penalties. Eqvista is here to help make the AMT filing process smooth and simple. With experts that are trained, experienced and competent in helping taxpayers, they are a convenient and effective solution for different tax filing needs. Get in touch with Eqvista now!