Tax Write Offs We Forget About

Tax season is soon upon us. Does this give you any anxiety? I have always paid my taxes and very liberally combed through records and receipts (Type A right here). I still feel like I am always missing something despite TurboTax telling me that I have every possible box checked… guaranteed! 

Chances are if you are reading this post you might feel a bit like me and be checking to see if you missed any odds or ends when filing your taxes. Or you are just a total money nerd trying to get the most from your pennies.  Either way, we will get along perfectly. 

It is easy to forget about certain tax deductions. The year is packed and trying to remember how many times I went to Goodwill typically has me skipping that section of the deductions. But don’t, because we all know you dropped off at least three bags in the spring.

As I looked over this past year I found a few deductions I had forgotten about: 

1. HSA Accounts 

These are tax exempt accounts. You can deduct the contributions you or someone other than your employer made to the account. 

2. Tuition 

Any tuition can be a write off, just be sure to input the Schedule A 1040 from the institution. In addition to this any form of education received for business or you profession can be a write off. 

3. Teacher Write Off

Teachers are able to write off  $250 for purchases of classroom supplies and materials. 

4. Student Loan Interest Deduction 

If the modified adjusted gross income is less than $80,000 ($160,000 if filing a joint return), there is a special deduction allowed for paying interest on a student loan (also known as an education loan) used for higher education. Student loan interest is interest you paid during the year on a qualified student loan. It includes both required and voluntary interest payments.

5. Home Renovation

These are not deductible if you put in a new kitchen sink. However if you made any renovations for medical reasons like installing a ramp or even a shower head for medical needs. 

6. Jury Duty Pay 

If you gave your jury duty pay to your employer because you were still collecting your salary you can deduct jury pay from your taxable income. 

7. Charitable Contributions 

Donations to charity can lower your overall taxable income. You must donate cash, property or have written record of physical items donated. You must also donate to a qualified tax exempt organization. 

8. Babysitting 

While most babysitting is not deductible, if you pay your babysitter while you are working at a charitable organization this is deductible. 

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None of these includ the many tax deductions available to you as someone who is self-employed. To look more into preparing for tax season as a Freelancer check out this article I wrote for Smart Money Mamas.

What are some tax write offs you never want to forget about?