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Maximizing Tax Efficiency: Deductions You Might Miss

Navigating the intricacies of tax deductions can be daunting, but distinguishing between above-the-line and below-the-line deductions is key for smart tax planning. Both categories serve unique roles in adjusting taxable income, thereby influencing your tax liability significantly.

Above-the-line deductions, known as "adjustments to income," can be claimed whether you itemize or opt for the standard deduction. These deductions decrease your gross income to form the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), a crucial figure used to determine eligibility for various tax credits and benefits. Let's explore some common above-the-line deductions:

  1. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: U.S. citizens working abroad may exclude up to $130,000 in foreign income from U.S. taxes, plus a housing exclusion taken below-the-line.

  2. Educator Expenses: Eligible educators can deduct up to $300 of unreimbursed expenses on supplies, alleviating personal costs.

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  3. Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: Contributing to an HSA reduces your AGI and allows for tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.

  4. Retirement Contributions for the Self-Employed: Contributions to plans like SEP IRAs and SIMPLE IRAs can lower taxable income while boosting savings.

  5. Self-Employed Health Insurance Premiums: Deduct premiums paid for oneself and dependents, providing crucial tax relief.

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  6. Alimony Payments: Deductible for pre-2019 divorce agreements, offering tax relief to the payer.

  7. Student Loan Interest: With a $2,500 cap, this deduction aids those with higher education loans by reducing taxable income.

  8. IRA Contributions: Contributions to traditional IRAs, up to $7,000, are deductible, promoting retirement readiness.

  9. Military Moving Expenses: Deductible for active-duty servicemen during a PCS move, expanding to include the Intelligence Community in 2026.

  10. Early Withdrawal Penalty: Deduct penalties on early withdrawals from savings instruments, balancing taxable income.

  11. Contributions to Archer MSAs: Though mainly replaced by HSAs, contributions remain beneficial under specific conditions.

  12. Jury Duty Pay: Offset reimbursement to employers with a deduction, averting double taxation.

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Below-the-line deductions have evolved recently. Extensions introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) have expanded this category to include deductions available regardless of itemizing status.

  1. 199A Pass-through Deduction: A 20% deduction on qualified business income for non-C corporation owners, now permanent from 2026.

  2. Disaster-related Deductions: Offering relief for federally declared disaster losses without itemization.

  3. Senior Deduction: Special deductions for seniors aged 65+, implemented temporarily for 2025-2028.

  4. Non-itemizer Charitable Deduction: Temporary for cash donations from 2026, excluding donor-advised funds.

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  5. Car Loan Interest Deduction: Temporary for personal-use cars bought from 2025-2028, with U.S. assembly.

  6. Tips Deduction: Covering tips earned pre-2024, reducing tax burden for customary occupations.

  7. Overtime Pay Deduction: Up to $25,000 deductible for qualifying overtime pay under the FLSA, available 2025-2028.

While the spotlight often focuses on itemizing, numerous deductions remain available without itemization. These deductions can notably reduce taxable income and maximize your financial efficiency. Be it educator expenses, student loan interest, or retirement contributions, ensure you're leveraging all avenues for savings.

The decision to stick with the standard deduction or delve into itemized deductions depends largely on individual circumstances. For 2025, the OBBBA-enhanced standard deduction stands at $15,750 for singles, $31,500 for married couples, and $23,625 for heads of household. Itemized deductions, including medical, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions, require careful consideration to maximize benefits. In any case, strategically maximizing deductions enables you to preserve more of what you earn.

For tailored advice based on your financial situation, please contact us. We're here to help optimize your tax strategy and sustain your financial growth.

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