Tax time and comprehending our deductions can be an overwhelming task for some, especially non-accountants and non-tax attorneys. We are torn between taking the standard deductions or itemizing them. Let us tackle item per item the definition of each, examples of deductions, requirements, and advantages of claiming them. When the water gets unclear, you can always consult an accountant for more detailed IRS assistance.
Tax deductions are expenses that have been incurred by the taxpayer for many reasons or purposes. This deduction is effected on the gross income. As a result, the taxable income is cut down, requiring less money for taxes. Let us take a gross income of $100,000 as an example. The deductions mean less tax because your taxable income is significantly lowered.
The two kinds of deductions are standardized and itemized deduction. A standard deduction is dependent on your civil status: single, married, head of household, and is a fixed dollar amount deducted from your gross income. An itemized deduction, which will be the central theme of this write-up, is a corresponding amount for certain expenses incurred. Asking for IRS or professional assistance will surely be of great help if you are in doubt as to which type of deduction you can claim.
Tax credits, which are different from deductions are also available. You can get them from certain expenses such as having children, adopting children, paying college tuition for your children, earned income tax credit, energy efficiency. The IRS online system and tax forms can provide you the criteria for evaluating your qualifications for certain tax credits. Credits are different from deductions in a way that the former are taken from the total taxable income, not the gross income.
Outlined hereafter are some of the common tax deductions:
- Fees for professional and business-related associations
- Job-hunting costs
- Fees for job agencies
- Professional books and magazines
- Union fees
- Work clothes or uniforms
- Expenses for the house and office
- Legal fees to collect taxable income, such as alimony
- Tax preparation and advice charges
- Costs Incurred from moving to a new job
- Fees for IRS set-up and administration
- Other legal fees
- Donations to charitable institutions
- Business liability insurance premiums
- Tuition fees for job-related classes
Always ask for IRS assistance in computing for your taxes so you do not overpay. On the contrary, a number of supplementary references are available should you decideto do the itemization on your own.How do you avail of these deductions? If you are doing your taxes on paper, then the instruction booklet will have notes that will help you determine if you qualify for these deductions. If you go online, the system will guide you through the process. In addition, a professional will be able to tell you which deductions you can claim for. The list of miscellaneous deductions is available online for more assistance on taxes.
Increasing the amount for refund or reducing the amount of taxes due are lawfully addressed through tax deductions. To make sure you are claiming all the deductions to which you are entitled to - or not wrongfully claiming for deductions- IRS assistance or professional help is always helpful. Otherwise, take time to conscientiously go over the instructions in your booklet. Several taxpayers in reality, pay too much, so be sure you know what you can and cannot use as deductions.
Darrin T. Mish is a Nationally recognized Attorney whose practice focuses on representing clients across the United States with IRS Problems. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbel and is a member of the American Society of IRS Problem Solvers and the Tax Freedom Institute. He has been honored by a listing in Martindale-Hubbel's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His passion is providing IRS help to taxpayers with both individual and payroll tax problems. He teaches attorneys, CPAs and Enrolled Agents in the finer aspects of IRS representation all around the United States. He can be reached at his website at http://www.getIRShelp.com
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