House Passes One Year Tax Break Extensions

Discussions were underway between senior House and Senate leaders of both parties to make certain provisions permanent, but those discussions were ended by President Obamas's veto threat.  The administration believed the negotiations were too heavily favoring large corporations and not doing enough for the middle class.  As a result, House Republicans moved forward with a short term extension.

Some of the key items extended under the House bill are listed below.

Business Extender Items

• Research and development tax credit
• 50% bonus depreciation
• $500,000 IRC 179 limit and related phase out for qualifying acquisitions exceeding $2,000,000
• 5 year recognition period for the built-in gain tax
• Work opportunity tax credit
• Energy efficient commercial buildings deduction (IRC 179D)

Individual Extender Items

• Certain tax free distributions from IRAs for charitable purposes
• Above the line deduction for qualified tuition and related expenses
• State and local sales tax deduction

What's Next?

While not certain, it appears that the Senate and White House will not oppose the extender bill.  The House plans to adjourn for the year next week limiting the ability to make changes.

Paul Ryan, incoming House Ways and Means Committee Chairman, has announced that he plans to pursue an overhaul of the tax code in 2015 focusing on lowering corporate rates.  He has indicated that changes would need to be made to account for pass-through entities as well.

Hopefully many of these items will be addressed permanently in any tax code overhaul.