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Glossary/Alternative minimum tax (AMT)

What is Alternative minimum tax (AMT)?

In short

The alternative minimum tax (AMT) is a parallel tax system that recalculates income with fewer deductions and preferences. A taxpayer pays the AMT if the tentative minimum tax is higher than regular tax.

Key takeaways

  • Common adjustments include state and local taxes, the standard deduction, the incentive stock option bargain element and depreciation differences.
  • An exemption amount reduces alternative minimum taxable income and phases out at higher incomes.
  • AMT from timing items creates a minimum tax credit usable in later years.

Where it's tested

REG: Filing Status, Credits & Alternative Minimum Tax — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

In computing alternative minimum taxable income, which item is an adjustment or preference that increases AMTI?

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