Category Archives: Deductions
Chosing to itemize your deductions at tax time can prove beneficial in many ways. When you itemize, you list all of your expenses and amounts paid on Schedule A of Form 1040 when you file your tax return. These expenses can range from medical or dental care and state or local income tax, to mortgage […]
— Read moreWhen you complete Schedule A for your federal tax return, you are able to deduct any home mortgage interest in two categories: Loan interest for monies used to significantly improve a primary or secondary residence, which is backed by the property. The loan must not exceed $1,000,000. Loan interest that is secured by your home, […]
— Read moreSome itemized deductions have different amount limitations, depending on the type of deduction. Generally, the limits are figured on a scale based off a percentage of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI). In order to determine what you can deduct, you will have to subtract the corresponding percentage of your AGI from the total amount […]
— Read moreUsing your personal car for business reasons can lead to a deduction come tax time. You may qualify to deduct the actual operating expenses or you can opt to take the standard mileage rate of deduction. Remember though, you can’t deduct expenses you incur while commuting back and forth to work. You may also be […]
— Read moreWhether you’re settling into your first place, or upgrading to somewhere new, buying a new home is a big moment in life. Most likely, upon finalizing the purchase of your new property, you paid some form of “closing costs” or “Settlement fees” in addition to the price of the home. Generally, the seller and you […]
— Read moreSeveral federal tax provisions have expired as of November 2013, and Congress has yet to respond to the issue. While the public waits for Congress to approve extender legislation, which probably won’t happen until late December at the earliest, there are a few changes that will significantly impact taxpayers filing for 2014. Industry specialists suggest […]
— Read moreThe IRS Form 1098-T: Tuition Statement is sent to students who pay tuition at a qualifying college or similar higher education institutions. Any college, university, or vocational school that participates in the Department of Education programs for student aid are qualified institutions. The Form 1098-T lists expenses related to education, and can help determine the […]
— Read moreAt tax time, if you have a mortgage loan on your home you should expect to receive a Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) from your lender. The Form 1098 reports the amount of interest you paid throughout the year. You aren’t required to file this form with your taxes, because a copy will automatically be […]
— Read morePeople often consider three big deduction when they think of itemizing: home mortgage interest, state and local income taxes, and charitable donations. Though, there are many additional deductions aside from the three common ones. These deductions are typically considered “miscellaneous itemized deductions” and are able to be claimed if they are more than 2% of […]
— Read moreIf you’re traveling for business, you will likely have to eat at a restaurant at some point. If you can deduct the cost of your meal from your taxes as a business expense, you’ll enjoy the meal better. It is possible to deduct business meals, but there are specific guidelines that have to be followed. […]
— Read more
