Charitable contributions. You can deduct charitable contributions you make to qualified organizations, such as churches, charities, and educational institutions. The amount you can deduct is limited to 50% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
Mortgage interest. You can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, up to $750,000 for new mortgages and $1 million for existing mortgages. The deduction is phased out for taxpayers with high AGIs.
State and local taxes. You can deduct state and local income taxes, property taxes, and sales taxes. The deduction is limited to $10,000 for taxpayers who itemize their deductions.
Medical expenses. You can deduct medical expenses that are greater than 7.5% of your AGI. This includes doctor’s bills, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and medical insurance premiums.
Retirement savings. You can deduct contributions to retirement savings accounts, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and HSAs. The amount you can deduct depends on your income and filing status.
These are just a few of the many tax deductions that are available to taxpayers. If you’re not sure if you qualify for a deduction, you should consult with a tax professional.
In addition to the above, there are a number of other tax deductions that may be available to you, depending on your individual circumstances. For example, if you are self-employed, you may be able to deduct business expenses, such as travel, meals, and entertainment. You may also be able to deduct educational expenses, such as tuition and fees, if you are taking courses to improve your job skills.
If you are not sure if you qualify for a deduction, you should consult with a tax professional. They can help you determine if you are eligible for any deductions and how to claim them on your tax return.
Here are some additional tips for maximizing your tax deductions:
- Keep good records. You will need to keep records of all of your expenses in order to claim them as deductions. This includes receipts, bank statements, and other documentation.
- Organize your records. It is helpful to organize your records by category, such as charitable contributions, mortgage interest, and medical expenses. This will make it easier to track your expenses and claim the correct deductions on your tax return.
- Be consistent. It is important to be consistent in the way you claim your deductions. This means using the same method of accounting from year to year.
- Don’t forget about the little things. Even small expenses can add up, so don’t forget to claim them as deductions. For example, you can deduct the cost of business lunches, parking fees, and tolls.
By following these tips, you can maximize your tax deductions and save money on your taxes.
