We’re in that magical time of the year again — tax season. That means lowering your tax burden is one of the smart money moves you can make this year.
The good news is that there are lots of deductions available from the IRS. There is, of course, the standard deduction — $14,600 this year for individuals and $29,200 for married couples filing jointly — which is usually good enough for most people.
You may be aware of deductions for things like mortgage interest and charitable contributions. Still, there are other deductions taxpayers can take advantage of, called “above-the-line” deductions, that won’t require you to itemize. Here are 11 of them.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially
1. Alimony payments
Alimony is a touchy subject, but there is a tax plan for it. If the divorce or separation agreement was finalized before December 31, 2018, they can be deducted.
It doesn’t apply to agreements made after 2018 or if an agreement from 2018 or earlier was subsequently amended to make the payment non-deductible or taxable to the recipient.
Look for it on Schedule 1, Line 19, and attach it to Form 1040.
Avoid costly repairs: Unexpected appliance breakdowns can cost $1,000s of dollars to fix.
2. Contributions to a retirement account if you’re self-employed
This one is a bit of work, but it pays off.If you’re self-employed, you can deduct your contributions to a SEP-IRA or a SIMPLE IRA. Check for it on Schedule 1, Line 16.
Opting for a SEP-IRA, particularly if you want higher contribution limits and increased tax advantages, might be preferable over a Traditional IRA.
3. Early withdrawal penalty from savings
If you took money out early from a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or a similar savings account, you can actually deduct the penalty you’ve incurred.
Complete Form 1040, attach Schedule 1, and add the amount to Line 18 under Adjustments to Income.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt
4. Expenses for educators
Teachers can catch a break with this deduction.
Educators, including counselors and principals, can deduct up to $300 in unreimbursed expenses on their tax filing. It’s twice that if they’re married to another educator.
You must have worked at least 900 hours at a qualifying elementary or secondary school. Put it on Line 11 on your Schedule 1 Form 1040.
5. Health Savings Account contributions
Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) is a savvy move if you're enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.
Your after-tax contributions are deductible, which helps reduce your tax bill, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free.Report your contributions on Schedule 1, Line 13, and include Form 8889 with your return.
6. IRA contributions
IRA deductions will depend on your income and whether or not you’re part of a retirement plan at your job. So, there are some caveats.
The IRS’s “phase out” for the deduction has different tiers. If you’re single and covered, it’s between $77,000 and $87,000. If you’re married and covered, it’s between $123,000 and $143,000.
If you’re not covered but married to someone who is, it’s between $230,000 and $240,000. Look for this one on Schedule 1, Line 20.
Money Goals: Make these 7 savvy moves when you have $1,000 in the bank
7. Moving expenses for active-duty service members
Uncle Sam has a deduction just for the troops.
Active-duty military members can claim a deduction for qualified moving expenses if not reimbursed by the government.
Eligible moves include the initial relocation to the first post, transfers between permanent posts, or the final move to the home. Covered expenses include household items, lodging, personal effects, storage, and travel — excluding meals.
8. Self-employed health coverage
If you're self-employed, you can potentially deduct premiums paid for health, dental, and qualifying long-term care insurance coverage for yourself, your spouse, and dependents.
This adjustment to income is claimed on Schedule 1, Line 17, and attached to your Form 1040. The deduction extends to cover your child under 27 years of age, regardless of dependency status.
9. Some business expenses
Broadly speaking, business deductions require you to itemize, but there are a few exceptions.
Performing artists and certain government officials (“fee-basis government officials”) can include business expenses directly on their income tax returns on Line 12 of their Schedule 1.
To claim them, file Form 2106 and attach it to your Form 1040. This one might be a job for a tax professional.
Grow Your $$: 11 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40
10. Student loan interest
You can get a tax break if you've paid up to $2,500 in student loan interest, but be mindful of income restrictions.
For single filers, the deduction is a no-go if you have an income over $85,000; for married couples filing jointly, it's $170,000.
This tax break can be claimed on Schedule 1, Line 21. And it doesn't matter who the loan was for.
11. Your self-employment tax
Self-employment taxes might come as a bit of a surprise, but everyone has to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes — otherwise known as FICA. It comes to 15.3% of net self-employment income (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare).
Fortunately, you can deduct half of this tax on Schedule 1, Line 15, and attach Schedule SE to your return.
Bottom line
Making the most of the IRS's deductions doesn't always mean you have to itemize. These "above-the-line" deductions offer additional benefits without the need for extra work.
If you keep enough money in your pocket and not the federal government's, you might be able to retire early .
If the thought of filing your taxes and understanding how to manage your money makes you nervous, consider going to an accountant or looking at some of the best tax software to help you prepare.
More from FinanceBuzz:
