Tax Season Tips

This guide offers essential tips to help you and your members navigate the complexities of tax preparation, ensuring you're ready well before the deadline.

Understanding Your Tax Deductions and Credits

Knowing which tax deductions and credits you're eligible for can reduce your taxable income and increase your refund. 

Common deductions include:

• Mortgage Interest - reduces the federal income tax owed by eligible homeowners by lowering their taxable income by the sum of mortgage interest paid.
• State and Local Taxes - you are allowed to deduct a maximum of $10,000 ($5,000 if filing separately as a married couple) for a mix of property taxes and either state and local income taxes or sales taxes.
• Medical Costs - you can deduct qualified, unreimbursed medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income for the tax year.
• Student Loan Interest - permits borrowers to deduct up to $2,500 from their taxable income for interest paid on their student loans.
• Charitable Donations - if you itemize deductions, you might have the opportunity to deduct the value of your charitable donations — whether in the form of cash or property like clothing or a vehicle — from your taxable income.

While credits may include:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - is a refundable tax credit available to low-income taxpayers, both with and without children.
• Child Tax Credit - is a tax break for families with children below the age of 17.
• Child and Dependent Care Credit - is designed to offset a portion of the expenses for day care and related services for a child under 13, a spouse or parent who requires assistance, or another dependent, enabling you to be employed.
• American Opportunity Tax Credit - allows you to deduct the initial $2,000 spent on tuition, textbooks, equipment, and school fees — excluding living costs and transportation — and an additional 25% of the subsequent $2,000, amounting to a maximum of $2,500.

Organizing Your Documents Early

A crucial step in tax preparation is gathering and organizing all necessary documents, including:

• W-2s and 1099s
• Receipts for deductible expenses
• Records of any charitable contributions

Start early to avoid the last-minute rush and consider using a digital organizing system or app to keep track of your documents. This proactive approach can make the filing process smoother and help you identify all potential deductions and credits.

Utilizing Tax Software or Professional Help

For many, the decision between using tax software or hiring a professional comes down to the complexity of their tax situation and personal comfort with handling financial documents. Tax software can be a cost-effective solution for straightforward returns, offering guided assistance and error checking. 

Many tax software offers free service for simple returns. Some of the most popular tax software and online services include:

• H&R Block
• Intuit TurboTax 
• TaxAct 
• TaxSlayer
• FreeTaxUSA

When considering tax software it is also important to consider technical support along with price. This ensures that if there are issues with your return you are able to receive proper help.

If you have a more complex financial situation, consulting with a tax professional might be beneficial to navigate tricky tax laws and maximize your return. Websites like the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP)² offer resources to find qualified tax preparers.

Planning for Next Year's Taxes Now

Instead of only thinking about taxes during tax season, consider adopting a year-round tax planning strategy. Yes can manage your tax liability by:

• Adjusting your withholdings
• Making estimated tax payments if you're self-employed
• Contributing to retirement accounts

This planning can help you avoid surprises at tax time and ensure you're taking advantage of all available tax-saving opportunities.

Conclusion

While tax preparation can seem daunting, taking proactive steps can make the process more manageable and potentially more rewarding. You can take control of your tax situation by:

• Understanding the deductions and credits you qualify for
• Organizing your documents early
• Choosing the right filing method
• Planning ahead for next year

1. Credits and Deductions, IRS.gov
2. National Association of Tax Professionals, NATPTax.com

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