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left arrowPrevious Page: Publication 501 - Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information - Exemptions for Dependents
right arrowNext Page: Publication 501 - Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information - Standard Deduction
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taxmap/pubs/p501-005.htm#TXMP688af85b
Phaseout of Exemptions(p19)


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left link arrow Phaseout of Exemptions right link arrow

The amount you can claim as a deduction for exemptions is reduced once your adjusted gross income (AGI) goes above a certain level for your filing status. These levels are as follows:
  AGI Level
  That Reduces
Filing Statusn Exemption Amount
Married filing separately $117,300n
Single n156,400n
Head of household n195,500n
Married filing jointly n234,600n
Qualifying widow(er) n234,600n

You must reduce the dollar amount of your exemptions by 2% for each $2,500, or part of $2,500 ($1,250 if you are married filing separately), that your AGI exceeds the amount shown above for your filing status. However, you can lose no more than 2/3 of the dollar amount of your exemptions. In other words, each exemption cannot be reduced to less than $1,133.

If your AGI exceeds the level for your filing status, use Worksheet 2 to figure the amount of your deduction for exemptions.

taxmap/pubs/p501-005.htm#w15000u06

Worksheet 2. Worksheet for Determining the Deduction for Exemptions

1. Is the amount on Form 1040, line 38, or Form 1040A, line 22, more than the amount on line 4 below for your filing status?

   
No. Stop. Multiply $3,400 by the total number of exemptions claimed on line 6d of Form 1040 or Form 1040A and enter the result on Form 1040, line 42, or Form 1040A, line 26.    
Yes. Continue.    
2. Multiply $3,400 by the total number of exemptions claimed on line 6d of Form 1040 or Form 1040A. 2.             
3. Enter the amount from Form 1040, line 38, or Form 1040A, line 22 3.                 
4. Enter the amount shown below for your filing status:        
 
  • Married filing separately—$117,300
  • Single—$156,400
  • Head of household—$195,500
  • Married filing jointly or Qualifying widow(er)—$234,600
Right brace 4.                 
5. Subtract line 4 from line 3. . 5.                 
6. Is line 5 more than $122,500 ($61,250 if married filing separately)?          
Yes. Multiply $1,133 by the total number of exemptions claimed on line 6d of Form 1040 or Form 1040A. Enter the result here and on Form 1040, line 42, or Form 1040A, line 26. Do not complete the rest of this worksheet.          
No. Divide line 5 by $2,500 ($1,250 if married filing separately). If the result is not a whole number, increase it to the next whole number (for example, increase 0.0004 to 1).   6.                 
7. Multiply line 6 by 2% (.02) and enter the result as a decimal . 7.             
8. Multiply line 2 by line 7 8.             
9. Divide line 8 by 1.5 9.             
10. Deduction for exemptions. Subtract line 9 from line 2. Enter the result here and on Form 1040, line 42, or Form 1040A, line 26 10.             


taxmap/pubs/p501-005.htm#TXMP54269403
Social Security 
Numbers for Dependents(p19)


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Social Security Numbers for Dependents

You must list the social security number (SSN) of any dependent for whom you claim an exemption in column (2) of line 6c of your Form 1040 or Form 1040A.

If you do not list the dependent's SSN when required or if you list an incorrect SSN, the exemption may be disallowed.


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No SSN.(p19)


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If a person for whom you expect to claim an exemption on your return does not have an SSN, either you or that person should apply for an SSN as soon as possible by filing Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Information about applying for an SSN and Form SS-5 is available at your local SSA office.

It usually takes about 2 weeks to get an SSN. If you do not have a required SSN by the filing due date, you can file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, for an extension of time to file.


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Born and died in 2007.(p19)
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If your child was born and died in 2007, and you do not have an SSN for the child, you may attach a copy of the child's birth certificate instead. If you do, enter "DIED" in column (2) of line 6c of your Form 1040 or Form 1040A.


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Alien or adoptee with no SSN.(p19)


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If your dependent does not have and cannot get an SSN, you must list the individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) or adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN) instead of an SSN.


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Taxpayer identification numbers for aliens.(p19)
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If your dependent is a resident or nonresident alien who does not have and is not eligible to get an SSN, your dependent must apply for an individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). For details on how to apply, see Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.


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Taxpayer identification numbers for adoptees.(p19)
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If you have a child who was placed with you by an authorized placement agency, you may be able to claim an exemption for the child. However, if you cannot get an SSN or an ITIN for the child, you must get an adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN) for the child from the IRS. See Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions, for details.

left arrowPrevious Page:  Publication 501 - Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information - Exemptions for Dependents
right arrowNext Page:  Publication 501 - Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information - Standard Deduction
Use  left arrowright arrow to find additional occurrences of topic items. Index for this Publication