Parents: Don't Miss Out on These Tax Savers

If you have children, you may be able to reduce the amount of taxes owed for the year using tax credits and deductions. Here are several tax benefits you might be able to take advantage of when you file your federal tax return:

• Dependents. In most cases, you can claim your child as a dependent. You can deduct $4,000 for each dependent you are entitled to claim. You must reduce this amount if your income is above certain limits.
• Child Tax Credit. You may be able to claim the Child Tax Credit for each of your qualifying children under the age of 17. The maximum credit is $1,000 per child. If you get less than the full amount of the credit, you may be eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit.
• Child and Dependent Care Credit. You may be able to claim this credit if you paid for the care of one or more qualifying persons. Dependent children under age 13 are among those who qualify. You must have paid for care so that you could work or look for work.
• Earned Income Tax Credit. You may qualify for the EITC if you worked but earned less than $53,267 last year. You can get up to $6,242 in EITC, which can give you a refund even if you didn’t pay any tax or have any tax withheld from your paycheck. You may qualify for the EITC with or without children.
• Adoption Credit. You may be able to claim a tax credit for certain costs you paid to adopt a child.
• Education Tax Credits. An education credit can help you with the cost of higher education. Two credits are available–The American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit–and they may reduce the amount of tax you owe. If the credits reduce your tax to less than zero, you may get a refund. Even if you don’t owe any taxes, you still may qualify; however, you must complete Form 8863, Education Credits, and file a return to claim these credits.
• Student Loan Interest. You may be able to deduct interest you paid on a qualified student loan. You can claim this benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
• Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction. If you were self-employed and paid for health insurance, you may be able to deduct premiums you paid during the year. This may include the cost to cover your children under age 27, even if they are not your dependent. Please call the office for additional details.

Do not hesitate to contact our office, if you have any questions about these and any other tax credits and deductions to which you are entitled under federal and state tax codes.