Filing your taxes can be simple when you’re prepared and understand recent changes in tax laws to determine which tax credits and deductions you’re eligible to take. The end of the 2024 tax season for most Americans is April 15, 2024, so if you still need to file 2023 taxes, take notice of these credits and deductions to help make filing your taxes more straightforward.
The earned income tax credit
If you worked or were self-employed and had earned income under $63,698, you could receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by filing a tax return. For 2023, the credit ranges from $600 to $7,430, depending on how many kids you have and your marital status. If you are eligible for this credit, the maximum amount you could receive is:
- $600 if you have no dependent children
- $3,995 if you have one qualifying child
- $6,604 if you have two qualifying children
- $7,430 if you have three or more qualifying children
The child tax credit (CTC)
The CTC is a maximum of $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. Up to $1,500 is refundable. However, you must have earned over $2,500 to be eligible for the CTC.
Student loan interest deduction
This deduction allows student loan borrowers to write off up to $2,500 from their taxable income if they paid interest on their student loans. This deduction is taken above the line, subtracting it from your taxable income.
Note that student loan interest is deductible if your modified adjusted gross income (MAJI) is less than $70,000 ($145,000 if filing jointly). If your MAGI was between $70,000 and $85,000 ($175,000 if filing jointly), you can deduct less than the maximum allowed $2,500.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOC)
The AOC lets you claim the first $2,000 you spent on tuition, books, equipment, and school fees, plus 25% of the next $2000 for a total of $2500 but doesn’t allow for living expenses or transportation.
Lifetime Learning Credit
This credit allows you to deduct 20% of the first $10,000 you paid toward tuition, fees, books, and supplies related to coursework for a maximum of $2,000. However, the lifetime learning credit doesn’t count living expenses or transportation as eligible expenses.
Mortgage interest deduction
The mortgage interest tax deduction aims to make homeownership more affordable. It cuts the federal income tax qualifying homeowners pay by reducing their taxable income by the mortgage interest they pay. Collect a Form 1098 from your mortgage lender and work with your tax professional to determine the amount of interest you may deduct.
Saver’s Credit
The saver’s credit is between 10% to 50% in contributions made into an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), or specific retirement plans, up to $2000 ($4000 if filing jointly). The percentage depends on your filing status and income, so be sure to visit with a tax professional to understand this credit fully.
There are other credits and deductions you may be eligible to take, such as:
- Educator Expenses deduction
- Electric Vehicle Tax Credit
- Solar Tax Credit
- Self-employment expenses
You must work with a tax professional to ensure you understand what credits and deductions you’re eligible to take. Next, once you have your tax statements, it’s time to file your tax return.
SWG3343442-0124d. The sources used to prepare this material are believed to be true, accurate and reliable, but are not guaranteed. This information is provided as general information and is not intended to be specific financial or tax guidance. When you access a link you are leaving our website and assume total responsibility for your use of the website you are linking to. We make no representation as to the completeness or accuracy of information provided at this website. Nor is the company liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues or any consequences arising out of your access to or your use of third-party technologies, websites, information and programs made available through this website.
Sources:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/guide-to-filing-your-taxes/
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/taxes/tax-deductions-tax-breaks
