Tax season can be nerve-wracking for many American families. There are a lot of deductions that need to be taken advantage of, and the tax laws constantly change.
Expanded Child Tax Credit Gone
One result of COVID-19 was the change to the Child Tax Credit. In 2021, the tax credit was $3,600 for children ages five and under. It was $3,000 for children ages six through 17. And in 2021, there was not an earned income requirement. So the higher Child Tax Credit could generate a refund, despite a lack of income.Expanded Child and Dependent Care Credit Expired
One credit that is great for parents and guardians is the Child and Dependent Care Credit. It was also influenced by COVID-19. In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act increased the credit. It was up to $4,000 for one qualifying person and $8,000 for two or more qualifying persons.If you met specific qualifications, it was also refundable. So, you didn’t necessarily have to owe taxes to receive the refund.
Federal Taxes on State Rebates
There were no federal stimulus checks in 2022. But some states still handed out rebates and refunds to taxpayers. California, New Jersey, and Massachusetts will be handing out checks through the first quarter 2023.Standard Deduction Increased
You'll want to take the standard deduction if you’re not itemizing. Because of inflation, the standard deduction on Form 1040 increased. The new rates are:- married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er)—$25,900 ($800 increase)
- head of household—$19,400 ($600 increase)
- single or married filing separately—$12,950 ($400 increase)
Charitable Contribution Deduction Hampered
In 2021, there was a special charitable deduction for taxpayers who used the standard deduction. It was $300 for individuals and $600 for married couples. But Congress didn’t extend the temporary tax break that allowed this.Clean Energy Tax Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 enhanced tax credits for those who made energy-efficient upgrades. The energy-efficient home improvement credit applies to qualified properties through the end of 2022.The credit is equal to 10 percent of the costs of specific expenses. Some of these expenses are insulation doors and exterior windows. There is a $500 combined tax credit for all years after 2005.
Education Breaks Save Money
The American Opportunity Credit is available for individuals with a modified AGI of $80,000 or less. It is also for married couples filing jointly with an income of $160,000 or less.This credit is available for up to $2,500 of college tuition and related expenses (not room and board) per tax year. And it covers all four years of college.
For additional education, you can take advantage of the Lifetime Learning Credit. It is 20 percent, up to $10,000, of qualified expenses.
Beware, though: you can’t use the Lifetime Learning Credit and the American Opportunity Credit for the same student in the same year. There are also income limits, so you might want to speak with a tax professional to see if you qualify.
Filing Income Tax Return
The sooner you electronically file, the quicker you’ll receive your refund. But don’t be so fast to pull the trigger that you don’t take advantage of all the tax credits due you. You don’t want to leave money on the table.If you need to, file an extension to do additional research. Remember, if you owe taxes, you'll need to pay them by April 18, despite filing an extension.
Ask your tax professional what’s the best course of action.