Friday, April 8, 2016

What You Need to Know About Itemized Deductions

Itemized deductions can be quite helpful when it comes to saving money come tax time. However, these deductions can also be a bit tricky, and if you don’t handle them correctly, you could find yourself in hot water or even getting audited. To help you avoid any problems with the IRS and to still enjoy your itemized deductions, follow a few simple tips.   

Remember, Nothing Stays the Same

To begin with, understand that nothing about itemized deductions stays the same. Just because you received a particular deduction last year is no guarantee that you’ll get it again this year.

The IRS has been known to change the rules on who can get certain deductions or even to get rid of deductions entirely. So, never file for any deduction, even if you’ve enjoyed it in the past, without double-checking the current year’s tax rules, or, even better yet, having your accountant do it for you.

Retain Proof of Charitable Donations

One of the most commonly utilized itemized deductions is the one set aside for those who donate to charity. Whether you’re donating goods or money, however, keep in mind that you’ll need to get and hang onto some kind of proof of your donation.

This could be a canceled check, a receipt, a bank record, or some other kind of proof. Without proof, though, you cannot rightfully claim your deduction, and you could get in trouble if the IRS checks up on your claims.

Be Smart About Medical Expenses

A lot of people don’t realize that they can deduct certain medical expenses, and, if you’re one of those people, then you’re missing out! Don’t cheat yourself out of available deductions, such as deducting premiums for Medicare Part D prescription drug insurance or other premiums.

Keep in mind, too, that you can deduct mileage related expenses for travel you did for medical reasons. There are also other, surprising medical expenses you can deduct, up to a certain amount; you can learn about many of these by reading the IRS Publication 502, termed “Medical and Dental Expenses.

In truth, though, knowing what medical expenses you can deduct and how much you can deduct can be tricky, so it’s always in your best interest to get a professional accountant to help you handle and file your deductions. In fact, that brings us to our next and most important tip.

Work with a Pro!

No matter how much reading and researching you do, the fact remains that tax laws, even and perhaps especially those laws that relate to tax deductions, are tricky. And, if you do something wrong, even on accident, it’s all too easy to look like you’re trying to cheat the system.

Don’t land yourself in this kind of hot water or, on the flip side, miss out on perfectly legitimate deductions. Get a tax professional to help you so that you never lose out on or make a mistake on another deduction again!


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