Key numbers to have when filing tax returns

— -- Some key numbers to know when filing your 2011 tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service:

PERSONAL EXEMPTION:

• Each personal or dependent exemption is worth $3,700.

STANDARD DEDUCTION:

• $11,600 for married couples filing a joint return, and qualifying widows and widowers.• $5,800 for singles and married individuals filing separate returns.• $8,500 for heads of household.• Taxpayers who are 65 or older or who are blind may be eligible for a higher standard deduction.

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX THRESHOLD:

• $74,450 for a married couple filing a joint return, and qualifying widows and widowers.• $48,450 for singles and heads of household.• $37,225 for married individuals filing separately.

Income tax brackets:

• 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35%.

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT:

To qualify income can be no greater than:

• $43,998 ($49,078 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children• $40,964 ($46,044 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children• $36,052 ($41,132 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child• $13,660 ($18,740 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

Maximum credit:

• $5,751 with three or more qualifying children• $5,112 with two qualifying children• $3,094 with one qualifying child• $464 with no qualifying children

CAPITAL GAINS:

• 0% if taxed in the 10% or 15% brackets.• Top rate of 15% if taxed in higher brackets.

STANDARD MILEAGE RATES:

Business use

• 51 cents a mile, Jan 1-June 30, 2011• 55.5 cents a mile, July 1-Dec. 31, 2011

Medical reasons or qualified move

• 19 cents a mile, Jan 1-June 30, 2011• 23.5 cents a mile, July 1-Dec. 31, 2011

Charitable purposes

• 14 cents a mile