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Glossary/Income shifting

What is Income shifting?

In short

Income shifting moves income to family members in lower tax brackets, for example by giving them income-producing property or paying children reasonable wages in a family business.

Key takeaways

  • The kiddie tax limits shifting unearned income to children.
  • Under the assignment of income doctrine, income from services is taxed to the person who earns it.
  • A sole proprietor's child under 18 working in the business is exempt from Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Where it's tested

TCP: Individual Tax Planning Strategies — study notes, a five-minute revision sheet and practice questions.

Practise: 3 questions

Question 1 of 3 · 0 answered

Under the 'kiddie tax', a child's unearned income above a threshold amount is generally taxed:

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