What's New in 2003
 
Here's a quick review of some of the tax changes you'll see from 2002 to 2003 as a result of inflation adjustments and tax law changes.
 
Provision
2003
2002
Business equipment expensing deduction $100,000
$24,000
Bonus depreciation 30% - 50% 30%
Percent of health insurance deductible by self-employed individuals 100%
70%
Standard mileage rate for business driving 36¢ per mile
36.5¢ per mile
Mileage rate for medical and moving expense deductions 12¢ per mile
13¢ per mile
Mileage rate for charitable driving Unchanged 14¢ per mile
Luxury excise tax on new cars / Excess to which tax applies Tax eliminated
3% / $40,000
Prior-year safe harbor for estimated taxes of
higher-income individuals
110% of prior year's tax liability
112% of prior year's tax liability
Adoption credit $10,160
$10,000
Maximum wages subject to social security tax $87,000
$84,900
Social security earnings limit  
 
-
Under age 65 $11,520
$11,280
-
65 and over No limit
No limit
Estate tax exemption Unchanged
$1,000,000
Top estate tax rate 49%
50%
Annual gift nontaxable limit Unchanged
$11,000 per donee
Maximum retirement plan contributions  
 
-
IRA for those under age 50 Unchanged
$3,000
-
IRA for those 50 and over Unchanged
$3,500
-
SIMPLE plan for those under age 50 $8,000
$7,000
-
SIMPLE plan for those 50 and over $9,000
$7,500
-
401(k) plan for those under age 50 $12,000
$11,000
-
401(k) plan for those 50 and over $14,000
$12,000
Tax credit for retirement plan contributions made by lower-income taxpayers Unchanged
From 10% to 50% of the first $2,000 contributed
Employers can establish "deemed IRAs" within company plans Permitted N/A
Maximum dependent care credit (child care credit) 35%
30%
Maximum expenses eligible for dependent care credit    
-
One qualifying individual $3,000
$2,400
-
Two or more qualifying individuals $6,000
$4,800
  Maximum lifetime learning credit $2,000
$1,000
 

  Nanny tax threshold

$1,400
$1,300