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Tax Year 2008

Tax materials generally are focused on the tax rules for the current year's income tax return. But you may need to take another look at tax rules for 2008 returns. For example, you may have failed to claim a deduction or tax credit on your 2008 return that you only recently learned about; filing an amended return for 2008 means using tax rules in place for that year.

When filing a return for 2008, be sure to use:

• 2008 tax forms and schedules. Most forms and schedules for 2008 cannot be used for a prior year.
• 2008 tax rates. When figuring your taxes, be sure to use tax rates in effect for 2008. These rates are reflected in the 2008 tax table, the 2008 tax computation worksheet, and the 2007 earned income credit table.
• 2008 tax rules. Limitations on various exclusions, deductions, and credits are adjusted annually, so use the applicable limitations for 2008. Tax breaks come and go, so opportunities that apply for 2009 may not have been available on 2008 returns (and vice versa); check each tax rule used for 2008 returns.