Tax Deductions You Can Claim When it comes to filing your income tax return, there are numerous deductions available that can help reduce your taxable income. While you may have claimed as many as you could this year, it’s possible you missed some opportunities. Don’t worry—next time you file, you can ensure you take full advantage of these deductions. Some deductions to consider include: • Student Loan Interest Deduction: If you paid interest on student loans, you might be eligible to deduct up to a certain amount. • American Opportunity Tax Credit: Designed for educational expenses, this credit can provide significant savings if you or a dependent are pursuing higher education. By staying informed and organized, you can maximize your deductions and potentially save more on your taxes next year.

Estimating Your Tax Liability for Next Year In addition to anticipating your potential refund for the upcoming tax year, you can also estimate how much you might owe the IRS. This is especially useful if you plan to stay in the same job, expect a similar income, and intend to claim the same credits and deductions as before. Keep in mind, however, that your tax liability may not be identical. Changes in your expenses, life circumstances, or eligibility for additional deductions and credits could affect the final amount. Regularly reviewing your financial situation throughout the year can help you stay prepared and potentially reduce what you owe.

Every year, you learn something new when you file your taxes.

Tips to Simplify Tax Filing If filing taxes felt overwhelming this year, a few proactive steps can make the process much easier for the next tax season. For example, if you didn’t separate your business expenses from personal ones, it might have been a scramble to organize everything. To avoid this, consider the following strategies: Use Separate Accounts: Open a dedicated business credit card or bank account to exclusively handle business-related expenses. This helps keep personal and professional finances distinct and simplifies record-keeping. Track Expenses Regularly: Maintain a spreadsheet or use accounting software to log expenses throughout the year. This saves time and ensures accuracy when filing. Plan for Deductions: Identify potential deductions in advance and gather necessary details: For the business interest deduction, calculate the total interest paid before tax season. If you have a home office, measure the square footage it occupies to claim the deduction accurately. For a business vehicle, keep a mileage log throughout the year to track deductible miles. Taking these steps can streamline the filing process and help ensure you don’t miss valuable deductions.

A Smarter Way to File Your Taxes Filing taxes doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. If this year’s tax season felt overwhelming, it might be time to explore a more efficient and cost-effective filing method—whether you choose to handle it yourself or seek assistance from a tax expert. Simplify Filing with TaxAct TaxAct provides a range of filing options tailored to meet your needs. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for free tax filing or choose from Deluxe, Premier, or Self-Employed e-filing plans. For added support, TaxAct also offers Xpert Help, giving you access to guidance from certified professionals such as CPAs and EAs. Getting started is simple. Visit TaxAct, select the plan that suits your needs, and sign up. With TaxAct, you’ll streamline your tax filing process—this year, next year, and beyond.