Glossary of Tax and Finance Terms

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

F

Fair market value
What a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller when neither is under any compulsion to buy or sell.
Fiduciary
A person or corporation such as a trustee, executor, or guardian who manages property for another person.
First-year expensing (or Section 179 deduction)
A deduction of the cost of business equipment in the year placed in service.
Fiscal year
A 12-month period ending on the last day of any month other than December. Partnerships, S corporations, and personal service corporations are limited in their choice of fiscal years and face special restrictions.
Flexible spending arrangement
A salary reduction plan that allows employees to pay for enhanced medical coverage or dependent care expenses on a tax-free basis.
Foreign earned income exclusion
In 2007, up to $85,700 of foreign earned income is exempt from tax if a foreign residence or physical presence test is met.
Foreign tax credit
A credit for income taxes paid to a foreign country or U.S. possession. 401(k) plan. A deferred pay plan, authorized by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, under which a percentage of an employee's salary is withheld and placed in a savings account or the company's profit-sharing plan. Income accumulates on the deferred amount until withdrawn by the employee at age 59½ or when the employee retires or leaves the company.