average monthly expenses for family of 2 2016

If the amount claimed is more than the total allowed by the National Standards for food, housekeeping supplies, apparel and services, and personal care products and services, the taxpayer must provide documentation to substantiate those expenses are necessary living expenses. Taxpayers are allowed the total National Standards amount monthly for their family size, without questioning the amounts they actually spend. The miscellaneous allowance is for expenses taxpayers may incur that are not included in any other allowable living expense items, or for any portion of expenses that exceed the Collection Financial Standards and are not allowed under a deviation. Taxpayers can use the miscellaneous allowance to pay for expenses that exceed the standards, or for other expenses such as credit card payments, bank fees and charges, reading material and school supplies. Personal care products and services includes products for the hair, oral hygiene products, shaving needs, cosmetics and bath products, electric personal care appliances, and other personal care products. Housekeeping supplies includes laundry and cleaning supplies, stationery supplies, postage, delivery services, miscellaneous household products, and lawn and garden supplies.Īpparel and services includes clothing, footwear, material, patterns and notions for making clothes, alterations and repairs, clothing rental, clothing storage, dry cleaning and sent-out laundry, watches, jewelry and repairs to watches and jewelry. Food away from home includes all meals and snacks, including tips, at fast-food, take-out, delivery and full-service restaurants, etc. It excludes the purchase of nonfood items. Food at home refers to the total expenditures for food from grocery stores or other food stores. The standards are derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Survey (CES) and defined as follows:įood includes food at home and food away from home. National Standards have been established for five necessary expenses: food, housekeeping supplies, apparel and services, personal care products and services, and miscellaneous. Please note that the standard amounts change, so if you elect to print them, check back periodically to assure you have the latest version. ĭownload the national standards for food, clothing and other items PDF in PDF format for printing. Expense information for use in bankruptcy calculations can be found on the website for the U.S. These Standards are effective on Apfor purposes of federal tax administration only. Disclaimer: IRS Collection Financial Standards are intended for use in calculating repayment of delinquent taxes.

Average monthly expenses for family of 2 2016