FACTBOX - Tax details of US stimulus plan

Fri Feb 13, 2009 4:23pm GMT
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Feb 13 (Reuters) - The $789 billion U.S. economic stimulus package, which is expected to get congressional approval on Friday, contains numerous tax provisions including $282 billion in tax cuts.

Here are some of the major tax provisions in the bill:

FOR WORKERS, CONSUMERS AND RETIREES

* Creates a "making work pay" refundable tax credit championed by President Barack Obama of up to $400 per individual and $800 for a couple in 2009 and 2010. It is calculated at a rate of 6.2 percent of earned income and is phased out for individuals with adjusted incomes over $75,000 and couples with incomes over $150,000.

* Provides a one-time payment of $250 to Social Security beneficiaries, railroad retirees and veterans receiving benefits from the Veterans Affairs department. State government retirees not eligible for Social Security would also get the $250 payment.

* Increases the earned income tax credit for low-income workers with three or more children.

* Expands eligibility for the refundable child tax credit to more low-income workers. The bill reduces the income floor to $3,000 in 2009 and 2010 from the current floor of $8,500.

* Provides a new $2,500 tax credit for college education expenses. The credit phases out for individuals earning more than $80,000 and couples with incomes over $160,000.

* Provides an $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers for homes purchased between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2009. The tax credit phases out for individuals earning more than $75,000 and couples earning more than $150,000.  Continued...

 
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