A Comprehensive Guide to Possession Income Taxes and Their Implications

Definition & Meaning

Possession income taxes refer to taxes imposed by U.S. territories or possessions that are not classified as income, war profits, or excess profits taxes. These taxes are distinct from typical income taxes and are governed by specific regulations outlined in federal law.

According to 26 USCS § 936, any taxes paid or accrued to a U.S. possession or foreign country cannot be treated as income taxes when calculating tax credits. Additionally, these taxes may not be considered if they exceed nine percent of the taxable income for the year.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A business operating in Puerto Rico pays possession income taxes based on its earnings. These taxes are calculated separately from federal income taxes and are not considered when determining eligibility for federal tax credits.

Example 2: An individual living in Guam files their taxes and must account for possession income taxes, ensuring that they do not exceed the nine percent threshold of their taxable income for the year. (hypothetical example)

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are subject to possession income taxes, ensure you understand how these taxes affect your overall tax liability. It may be beneficial to:

  • Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
  • Utilize legal form templates from US Legal Forms to assist with filing your taxes accurately.
  • Keep records of all taxes paid to ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Key takeaways