Many taxpayers are unclear on the difference between deductions and credits. Both can be powerful tax-saving tools. Here’s how they each work:
Understanding the Work Opportunity Tax Credit
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate continues to be historically low, ranging from 4.0% to 4.3% from May to November of 2024.
Rehabilitation Tax Credit for Owners of Historic Buildings
If you own a historic building, you may be eligible for significant savings through the rehabilitation tax credit. This federal incentive encourages renovating and restoring historic or old buildings, preserving architectural history while promoting economic revitalization.
Understanding the details of the rehabilitation tax credit can help building owners maximize its benefits and ensure compliance with the program’s requirements.
Business Credits & Tax Benefits: Are You Taking Advantage?
It’s a challenging time for many businesses. Therefore, any help you can get, such as tax incentives and sales tax exemptions, can make a big difference. Unfortunately, these business credits and tax benefits often go unclaimed because businesses don’t know about them or erroneously think they’re ineligible.
Valuable Tax Credit Available for Energy-Efficient Homes
Under the Inflation Reduction Act, construction contractors who build or rehab energy-efficient homes may be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 per project.
To claim the credit, builders are required to construct or substantially rehab a qualified home and own it during the construction process.
Tax Breaks for Increasing Accessibility
Certain small business owners may qualify for tax breaks by making their premises accessible to people with disabilities. The CDC reports that 61 million people in the United States are affected by disabilities.
Sending the Kids to Day Camp May Bring a Tax Break
Among the many challenges of parenthood is childcare for kids when school lets out. Babysitters are one option, or you might consider sending them to a day camp. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but if you do choose a day camp, you could be eligible for a tax break. (Unfortunately, overnight camps don’t qualify.)
Boost Your Home Improvements with Tax Credits
For many homeowners, summer means it’s time to tackle home improvement projects. By investing in certain energy-efficient updates, taxpayers not only can lower their power bills but also can score some tax breaks.
Hiring? How to Benefit from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit
If you’re a business owner or manager seeking to hire, you should be aware of the details of a valuable tax credit for hiring individuals from one or more targeted groups. Employers can qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which is worth as much as $2,400 for most eligible employees (higher or lower for certain employees). The credit is limited to eligible employees who begin work for an employer before January 1, 2026.
Deductions vs. Credits: What’s the Difference?
One of the most common misunderstandings about filing an income tax return is the difference between deductions and credits. Deductions reduce the amount of a taxpayer’s income before tax is calculated. For example, on your individual return, you can either take the standard deduction or itemize deductions if it will reduce your taxable income more. Credits, on the other hand, reduce the actual tax due, dollar-for-dollar, generally making them more valuable than deductions.