How to Fill Out Form 982 for Credit Card Debt

Dealing with credit card debt can be overwhelming and stressful. However, if you have settled your debt for less than the full amount owed, you may be required to fill out Form 982 to report the canceled debt as taxable income. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out Form 982 for credit card debt, along with some frequently asked questions and their answers.

Step 1: Gather the necessary information
Before starting to fill out Form 982, gather all the relevant information such as the amount of canceled debt, the fair market value of any property returned, and any adjustments that apply to your situation.

Step 2: Determine the applicable exclusion
Form 982 provides various exclusions that may apply to your canceled debt, such as bankruptcy, insolvency, or qualified farm indebtedness. Determine which exclusion applies to your situation and fill in the corresponding section of the form.

Step 3: Calculate the amount to exclude
Once you have determined the applicable exclusion, calculate the amount of canceled debt that can be excluded from your taxable income. Fill out the appropriate section on Form 982.

Step 4: Fill in any remaining information
Complete the rest of the required information on Form 982, such as your name, Social Security number, and the tax year in question.

Step 5: Attach Form 982 to your tax return
Once you have filled out Form 982, attach it to your federal income tax return, along with any other required forms or schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Do I need to report canceled credit card debt as taxable income?
Yes, unless you qualify for an exclusion, canceled credit card debt is generally considered taxable income.

2. What is the most common exclusion for canceled credit card debt?
The most common exclusion for canceled credit card debt is insolvency, where your total debts exceed the fair market value of your assets.

3. Can I exclude canceled debt from a mortgage or car loan using Form 982?
No, Form 982 is specifically designed for credit card debt and certain other types of canceled debt. Mortgage or car loan debt may require a different form or treatment.

4. Will filing Form 982 affect my credit score?
No, filing Form 982 does not have any direct impact on your credit score. It is solely for reporting purposes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

5. Can I use Form 982 if the canceled debt was from a business credit card?
Yes, Form 982 can be used for canceled business credit card debt as well.

6. Can I file Form 982 if the canceled debt was from a personal credit card used for business expenses?
Yes, as long as the debt cancellation was related to a business, you can use Form 982 to exclude the canceled debt from your taxable income.

7. Do I need to include supporting documentation when filing Form 982?
While you do not need to attach any supporting documentation directly to Form 982, it is recommended to keep records of your canceled debt and any relevant documents in case of an audit.