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Discover 12 key tax write-offs to maximize your refund. From property taxes to charitable contributions, learn how to leverage essential deductions and credits for a more significant tax benefit. Optimize your financial strategy with these valuable insights to enhance your tax refund.
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Taxpayers have the opportunity to leverage various deductions and credits when filing their taxes annually, potentially reducing their tax burden or even receiving a refund from the IRS.
You might be eligible to claim a range of common deductions and credits, totaling 12 in number. It's also worth noting that there could be additional write-offs available on your state taxes. Thus, it's advisable to review your state tax department's website to determine eligibility for further deductions or credits.
As per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there is a limitation on the deduction of state and local income taxes (SALT), encompassing property taxes, which is set at $10,000. This restriction is expected to remain in effect until the 2025 tax year, unless an extension is approved by Congress.
The interest paid on your mortgage is eligible for tax deduction. However, there are specific limits based on the timing of your mortgage. For mortgages obtained after December 15, 2017, the deduction is capped at interest on up to $750,000 ($375,000 for married-filing-separately individuals) of mortgage debt. If your mortgage predates December 16, 2017, you can claim a deduction on interest for up to $1 million ($500,000 for married individuals filing separately).
Similarly, you have the option to deduct the state income taxes you've paid, but there is a limit to this write-off. The deduction is capped at $10,000 for all deductible state and local taxes.
You have the opportunity to deduct the mortgage interest and real estate taxes you've paid throughout the year for your residence.
In general, you have the option to deduct cash donations amounting to a maximum of 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). Additionally, contributions of items or property are recognized as deductible charitable contributions.
You are eligible to claim a tax deduction for medical and dental expenses, but only for costs that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). For the 2023 tax return, filed in April 2024, the expenses must have been paid in 2023, unless they were charged to a credit card. In such cases, the deduction is applicable in the year the card was charged, not necessarily the year of repayment.
Trips to healthcare providers, including doctor's appointments or hospital visits, qualify for medical mileage deductions. In 2023, you can deduct 22 cents per mile for travel undertaken for medical purposes.
The lifetime learning credit permits individuals to claim a tax credit for enrolling in courses at a community college, university, or other higher education institutions. The maximum deductible amount for expenses is up to $10,000, applicable for an unlimited number of years. However, the maximum credit that can be obtained per tax return is $2,000.
This credit offers a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the taxes owed and covers expenses such as tuition, fees, and necessary books or supplies for post-secondary education for yourself, your spouse, or dependent child. It's important to note that the credit is non-refundable, meaning it can be used to offset any taxes owed but cannot be received as a refund.
The credit amount is contingent on your income, and it is advisable to refer to IRS Publication 170 for income qualification details. Additionally, it's worth noting that this credit cannot be claimed in the same tax year as the American opportunity tax credit if the same expenses are utilized.
The American opportunity tax credit is designed to provide a tax benefit during the initial four years of higher education. The maximum annual credit stands at $2,500 per eligible student. In instances where the credit reduces your tax liability to zero, the IRS allows for a refund of 40% of any remaining credit amount, up to a maximum of $1,000.
This credit encompasses 100% of the initial $2,000 in qualified education expenses for each eligible student and 25% of the subsequent $2,000 in qualified education expenses. Qualified expenses include tuition, fees, and necessary books or supplies for post-secondary education for yourself, your spouse, or dependent child.
The credit amount is influenced by your income, and it's advisable to explore further details on income qualifications in IRS guidelines. It's important to note that the American opportunity tax credit cannot be claimed in the same tax year as the lifetime learning credit using the same expenses. We recommend a closer examination of education credits, emphasizing that for students in the initial four years of college, this credit may offer greater tax savings than the lifetime learning credit.
Contributions made to a retirement plan, such as a 401(k), traditional IRA, or Roth IRA, can result in a tax credit of 50%, 20%, or 10%, contingent on your reported adjusted gross income (AGI) on Form 1040. It's important to note that rollover contributions are not eligible for this credit.
The maximum contribution amount that qualifies for the credit is $2,000 ($4,000 for those married and filing jointly), leading to a potential maximum credit of $1,000 ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly). The IRS provides a chart to assist in calculating your credit based on your specific circumstances.
For the year 2023, the maximum contribution allowed in a traditional or Roth IRA is $6,500, with an additional $1,000 permitted for individuals aged 50 or older. Contributions made to a traditional IRA are eligible for a tax deduction.
In the following year, 2024, the maximum contribution amount increases to $7,000. However, there is no alteration in the catch-up amount for individuals aged 50 and older, remaining at $1,000.
For individuals who are self-employed, the entire monthly health insurance premiums paid for themselves, their spouse, and dependents can be deducted at 100%, irrespective of whether itemizing deductions or not. If you have children under the age of 27 at the end of 2023, their premiums can also be deducted, even if they are not considered dependents.
It's crucial to note that this deduction cannot be claimed if you are eligible to participate in a subsidized health plan from an employer, covering yourself, your spouse, dependents, or children under 27.
You have the option to deduct student loan interest on your taxes, but there is a maximum limit of $2,500 for the interest amount. The deductible amount varies based on your income. Additional details and eligibility criteria can be found in IRS Publication 970.
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The standard deduction is an automatic reduction in your taxable income that you are entitled to without the need for itemizing.
Before opting for the standard deduction, it is advisable to assess the standard deduction amount against your total itemized deductions.
For the tax year 2023 (pertaining to the taxes to be filed in 2024), the standard deduction amounts are as follows:
Maintaining a well-organized record of income and deductible expenses in a spreadsheet throughout the year can streamline the tax filing process.
Preparing for taxes may seem overwhelming, but common mistakes can be avoided. It is essential to include all sources of income, identify and include all potential deductions, and comprehend the distinction between deductions and credits.
For those with multiple deductions, start by collecting necessary paperwork, such as Form 1098 for mortgage interest deductions. Keep accurate records for other deductions related to expenses or contributions.
If you itemize your deductions, then keep track of qualified medical expenses, charitable contributions, or any other itemizable deductions. If you are likely to take the standard deduction, then record-keeping may not be as critical.
Being audited is comparable to being struck by lightning. You don't want to practice pole vaulting in a thunderstorm just because it's unlikely. Making sure your books are accurate and your taxes are filed on time is one of the best ways to keep your head down during tax season. Check out Vincere's take on tax season!
This post is just for informational purposes and is not meant to be legal, business, or tax advice. Regarding the matters discussed in this post, each individual should consult his or her own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor. Vincere accepts no responsibility for actions taken in reliance on the information contained in this document.
For business tax planning articles, our tax resources provides valuable insights into how you can reduce your tax liability now, and in the future.
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