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Last Minute Tax Saving Tips

Moneyzine Editor
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Moneyzine Editor
4 mins
November 21st, 2023
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Last Minute Tax Saving Tips

The best approach to tax planning is starting early in the year. But it's never too late, even as the April tax filing deadline approaches, for some last minute tax savings tips. After all, a taxpayer's obligation is to pay their fair share of income taxes, and not a dollar more.

Retirement Savings Tax Breaks

It's possible to contribute to an individual retirement account any time prior to the April filing deadline. In fact, this is perhaps the only account an individual can open after the New Year and still claim on the prior year's federal income tax form.

For example, if Lindsey decided she wanted to fund an IRA in 2020, she still has until the April 2021 filing deadline to open that account and claim this on her 2020 tax return.

Keep in mind that Roth IRA contributions are not tax deductible; however, Traditional IRA contributions may be deductible depending on the filer's modified adjusted gross income, and whether or not they're already covered by an employer's pension plan.

Child and Education Tax Credits

In recent years, the child and education tax credits have been more generous. That means additional tax-savings opportunities for parents of children; especially those with dependents attending a college or university.

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, or ATRA, makes permanent the $1,000 CTC (this was scheduled to revert to $500). The Child Tax Credit allows parents to reduce their federal income taxes owed by up to $1,000 for each qualifying child under age 17. To qualify for this tax credit the child must be:

  • Claimed as a dependent

  • Under age 17 at the end of the year

  • A son, daughter, adopted child, grandchild, stepchild or eligible foster child, a sibling, stepsibling, or their descendant

  • A U.S. citizen or resident alien

Tuition Deductions

In the 2020 and 2021 tax years, it's possible to deduct up to $4,000 for higher education tuition and qualifying fees. This deduction is phased out starting at $83,200 for single filers and $124,800 for joint returns.

Student Loan Interest

In 2020 and 2021, taxpayers that qualify can deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest, regardless of whether they itemize their taxes. This deduction is phased-out starting at $70,000 for single filers and $140,000 for joint filers.

Education Tax Credits

The Lifetime Learning Credit can be claimed if not seeking, or eligible for, the Hope Credit. It's possible to claim a Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for all students enrolled in eligible educational institutions. There is no limit to the number of years the Lifetime Learning Credit can be claimed for each student.

Business-Related Tax Savings

Even if a taxpayer doesn't own a business, they may still be able to deduct certain business-related expenses if they purchased something for their job and were not reimbursed by an employer. For example, job related travel is deductible on an income tax return. Receipts will be needed as proof of these expenses.

Individuals that work for more than one employer in any tax year, and have earnings in excess of $137,700 in 2020 and $142,800 in 2021, may have paid too much Social Security tax. Individuals can claim a refund on Form 1040 when they file their personal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service.

Charitable Donations

Tax deductible charitable donations can be in other forms besides check or cash. When donating a car, clothing, shoes, furniture, or other items of value to a recognized charity, detailed records and receipts will be needed as proof for a deduction. The mileage driven for charity is also tax deductible. Back in 2007, the recordkeeping rules for gifts to charity were made more stringent; it's important to know all of the applicable requirements before taking a deduction.

Last Minute Tax Deduction Check List

Finally, here is a tax deduction checklist, which summarizes the types of savings a filer should be looking for when preparing their return:

Note: Some of the above items can be taken as miscellaneous itemized deductions and as such are deductible to the extent they exceed 2% of the filer's AGI. In the case of medical and dental expenses, they are deductible to the extent they exceed 7.5% of the filer's AGI.

Additional Resources

  • The objective of a federal income tax return is to calculate taxable income. While completing IRS Form 1040 may seem complex at times, the entire process can be broken down into two parts: identifying all sources of taxable income, as well as expenses that can be deducted from income.
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  • Itemized Deductions (2020 and 2021)
    When completing a tax return, individuals are faced with the decision of filing itemized deductions or the standard deduction. That decision is made on line 39 of the IRS Form 1040. If the itemized deductions are greater than the standard deduction, then income taxes owed will be lower.
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  • Gifts to Charity and Income Taxes
    Several years ago, important changes were made to the tax code regarding gifts to a charity. There were also significant tax breaks introduced for IRA owners, if the accountholder is willing to transfer funds to a charitable organization.
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    Moneyzine Editor
    November 21st, 2023
  • Anyone that uses part of their home to conduct business may be eligible to take a home office deduction on their federal income tax return. The requirements are fairly simple and the deductions are reasonably generous.
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  • A tax credit is not the same as a deduction. In fact, they are far more valuable. Unlike a tax deduction, most credits also have income phase out limits, which reduce the number of taxpayers that qualify.
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  • Tax Shelters in 2024
    Generally, a tax shelter is a program that allows individuals or businesses to permanently reduce or defer the payment of income taxes. These programs are not right for everyone; even legitimate ones involve a level of risk that not every investor will be comfortable undertaking.
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  • The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 contains a number of tax relief provisions aimed at saving both individuals and families money over the next several years. In total, there are ten different provisions under this economic stimulus package that can help lower the tax burden of many Americans.
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