The IRS reported that e-filing of individual income tax returns was up this year. More than 43 million taxpayers self-prepared and e-filed their returns using their computers, which is an increase of 4.4% over last year. The IRS also issued more than 101 million tax refunds totaling nearly $268 billion; 80% of refunds were direct deposited rather than mailed. Overall, the number of returns filed was down about a half a percent (129,674,000 this year versus 130,261,000 in 2012). Tax receipts were down by 0.8%.
Source: IR-2013-52
Debt secured by a principal residence or second home to the extent of the excess of fair market value over acquisition debt. An interest deduction is generally allowed for home equity debt up to $100,000 ($50,000 if married filing separately).