Top #10 Tax Deductions That You Might Not Have Even Heard Of

The holiday season is around,and taxes are the last thing that one would like to think of. Tax Deductions,However, even before you realize, the holiday season would be over and the tax filing season would be at center stage. Spending a few moments to plan your taxes can help you in lowering your tax liabilities and a smoother tax filing season. And who doesn’t like lower taxes! Here are some Tax deductions that taxpayers do not use that often.

1.Use Your Vehicle’s Mileage

Whether you are self-employed or work for a business, you can claim your vehicle’s mileage as expenses as 58 cents for every dollar. The number is slightly higher from 2018, where one could claim 54.5 cents per dollar. Taxpayers who work for different clients can even claim the amount spent on traveling between different job locations.

2.Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions

Certain miscellaneous tax deductions such as tax preparation expenses or job-related expenses that are not reimbursed are no longer covered under itemized deductions. Tax preparation expenses are still covered for self-employed individuals. Losses due to fire, shipwrecks, storms, etc. are deductible up to 10% of the adjusted gross income of an individual, as long as the natural disaster is federally declared.

3.State and Local taxes

The IRS allows taxpayers to deduct either state income tax or state sales tax as long as you itemize your deductions. For states with no income tax, there is no reason why you should not claim the sales tax that you have paid. You can opt for the deduction that offers you the biggest tax cut. The maximum amount that you can deduct stands at $10,000.

4.Medical Expenses

You can claim medical expenses for a financial year, including miles driven for medical purposes at 20 cents a dollar. However, this is applicable only if your medical expenses exceed 10% of your adjusted gross income, provided you itemize the deductions. This might include the installation of certain equipment in your home, as recommended by the doctor.

5.Camping For Kids

Taxpayers with children less than 13 years can avail of the Child and Dependent Care Credit. This is applicable if you took your children to day camp before or after their daycare, or school care program so that you can go to work. This excludes sleepover camps or overnight camps.

6.Education Expenses

You can make use of the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit.You can claim up to $2,500 underAmerican Opportunity Tax Credit for expenses in the college. Similarly, you can claim up to $2,000 under Lifetime Learning Credit for tuition fees and even books.

7.Health Insurance Policy

Any premiums that you pay for yourself and your family members, you can take deductions for the same if you are self-employed. Employees might be able to make the premiums tax-deductible if they can itemize these deductions.

8.Charity

Irrespective of how small your charity is, you can claim the same for deductions. The only thing to keep in mind is that you must have receipts for the same. You can even claim the miles you have driven for charity including parking and tolls at 14 cents per mile.

9.Home Office

If you use your home for work-related purposes, you can claim certain expenses such as utilities, rent, depreciation, maintenance, etc.

10.ODC

The Other Dependent Credit comes in handy if you take care of someone other than your dependent children. You can take tax credits up to $500 for every non-child dependent that you support.

Tax planning is an important part of financial planning and must not be ignored. Knowing the basics of taxes and the deductions is essential and helps in the long run to save money.