Income Tax Deductions

Community Property Deductions
Married couples who file separate federal tax returns need to identify community income and community deductions so they will know how much each spouse should report on a separately filed tax return.

Additional Standard Deduction Amount for Property Taxes
The Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 allows homeowners to claim an additional standard deduction for property tax if the taxpayer does not itemize. The additional amount is limited to $500 or $1,000 for joint filers.

Adjustments to Income - Federal Tax Deductions
Adjustments to Income - Federal Tax Deductions

Alimony Paid Deduction
If you paid alimony or separate maintenance to your ex-spouse, report the total amount of alimony you paid during the year on Line 34 of your Form 1040.

Car and Truck Expenses
Car and truck expenses can be tax-deductible if you drive your car for business, medical, or charitable purposes. Learn more about what expenses are deductible, and what records to keep, and how to report this on your tax return.

Charitable Donations
Donations of cash and property to qualified non-profits are tax deductible. To be deductible, taxpayers must keep records of their contributions, especially of any gifts over $250. For non-cash contributions, taxpayers must keep records indicating the value and condition of the property given to charity.

Classroom Expenses Deduction
If you are a teacher, and you paid for classroom supplies and other materials out of your own pocket, you can claim those expenses on Form 1040 line 23.

Domestic Production Activities Deduction (Section 199)
Businesses with "qualified production activities" can take a tax deduction of 3% from net income. This is a tax break pure and simple. The more complicated the business, the more complicated the math for calculating the Domestic Production Activities Deduction. In a nutshell, businesses engaged in manufacturing and other qualified production...

Early Withdrawal Penalty Deduction
If you incurred a penalty for early withdrawal of your certificate of deposit at a bank, you can deduct that penalty as a tax deduction on Form 1040.

Health Savings Account Deduction
You can take an above-the-line tax deduction for contributions to a qualified health savings account (HSA) plan if you are covered by a high-deductible health insurance plan, and you are not covered by any other health insurance plan.

IRA Deduction (Traditional Individual Retirement Account)
Contributions to a traditional, tax-deferred individual retirement account (IRA) can be deducted against income taxes. Up to $5,500 can be contributed to an IRA for 2013.

Itemized Deductions
Maximize your itemized deductions with a handy list of tax deductions, along with information and advice on handling limitations to deductions.

Job Search Tax Deduction Tips
If you are searching for a job, you can deduct your job search expenses as an itemized deduction on your Schedule A. Find out which job hunting expenses are tax-deductible.

Limitations on Itemized Deductions
When you itemize your deductions, certain limitations apply. Learn about limitations on various types of deductions, plus the overall limitations on itemized deductions.

Medical Expenses
Medical expenses represents a category of expenses for which an individual may be eligible to receive various tax breaks. Medical expenses that meet certain qualifications may be eligible for an itemized deduction for medical expenses, or tax-free reimbursement from a flexible spending account, health reimbursement account, or health savings...

Mortgage Insurance Premium Tax Deduction
Mortgage insurance premiums may be tax deductible. To qualify, the insurance policy must be for home acquisition debt on a first or second home. This itemized tax deduction is valid for the years 2007 through 2011.

Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction
Mortgage interest is a tax-deductible expense. Mortgage interest is reported on Form 1040, Schedule A along with other itemized deductions. Taxpayers paying mortgage interest should fill out Schedule A to see if their itemized deductions exceed their standard deduction. If so, taxpayers will save more money on their taxes by itemizing.

Moving Expenses Tax Deduction
If you moved to start a new job, or to seek work in a new city, you may be able to deduct the cost of your moving expenses from your income. Moving expenses are subject to a time and distance test. Find out if you qualify to deduct your moving expenses.

Personal Exemptions
Personal exemptions lower your taxable income. Find out your personal exemptions and the phase out limits on exemptions.

Qualified Performing Artists (QPA) Deduction
Certain professions can deduct their job-related expenses directly on Form 1040 as an adjustment to income. Professions include performing artists such as musicians, dancers, and actors. Instructions for claiming the "QPA" deduction are discussed.

Qualified Performing Artists Expenses: Claiming a Tax Deduction for Job Expenses
Qualified performing artists, members of the Reserve or National Guard, and fee-based government officials can claim job-related expenses as a tax deduction.

Sales Tax Deduction
Sales tax may be a deductible against your federal income taxes. This is an itemized deduction and is claimed on Schedule A. The sales tax deduction is available only for the years 2005 through 2009. For 2010 and later, the sales tax deduction will go away unless Congress extends this particular tax break.

Self-Employment Health Insurance Deduction
Self-employed persons can deduct the full cost of health insurance premiums. The deduction is taken on Form 1040 as an adjustment to income, and reduces the federal income tax but not the self-employment tax.

Self-Employment Tax Deduction
If you have self-employment income, then you can take a deduction for half of your Self-Employment Tax. This deduction is taken directly on Form 1040.

SEP, SIMPLE, Retirement Plan Deduction
If you have self-employment income, then you can take a tax deduction for contributions you make to a SEP, SIMPLE, or Keogh retirement plan. Your maximum contribution to a SEP-IRA is 20% of your self-employment income or $42,000, whichever is less.

Standard Deduction
Taxpayers can opt to take a standard deduction (a flat dollar amount that reduces taxable income) or itemize their deductions instead. The standard deduction amount varies by a person's filing status, age, and whether they are blind.

Student Loan Interest Deduction
You can claim up to $2,500 of student loan interest you paid in 2004 as an above-the-line tax deduction on Form 1040 line 26.

Tuition and Fees Deduction for College Expenses
You can deduct cost of college tuition and other mandatory school fees.

Vehicle Sales Tax Deduction
A one-year-only deduction for 2009, individuals who purchase a new vehicle (including motor homes) can deduct sales tax or excise taxes, even if they don't itemize. The deduction is limited to the sales or excise tax applicable to the first $49,500 in the vehicles purchase price, and the deduction phases out at an adjusted gross income of $125,000 (or $250,000 for joint filers).