Breaking Down Itemized Deductions: A Friendly Guide to What They Mean and How You Can Claim Them

For certain taxpayers, choosing to itemise deductions on their tax return can significantly reduce their tax bill. However, deciding to go with itemised deductions isn't always straightforward.

Let's dive into the essentials of itemised deductions and what it entails to itemise on your tax return.

Definition of Itemised Deductions

Itemised deductions refer to specific expenses recognised by the IRS that can lower your taxable income (meaning, the portion of your income that taxes apply to).

Choosing to itemise on your tax return means selecting from a wide array of individual tax deductions than opting for the standard deduction, which is a fixed amount.

Learn more: https://www.inkle.io/filings/form-1120

‍

Understanding Various Itemised Deductions

Navigating the landscape of itemised deductions can be a complex process. Each deduction category comes with its own eligibility criteria regarding who qualifies and what expenses are deductible. It's important to familiarise yourself with the details of each to see if they align with your financial scenario.

Here's a rundown of some widely claimed itemised deductions:

Medical and Dental Expenses Deduction

The IRS permits taxpayers to deduct a portion of their unreimbursed medical and dental costs accrued over the year. Only expenses not reimbursed by insurance or otherwise covered are eligible. Eligible expenses might include costs for prescription medications, doctor's visits, hospital services, dentures, and similar healthcare needs.

Property Tax Deduction

Homeowners facing substantial property taxes might benefit from the SALT (State and Local Taxes) deduction. This provision allows the deduction of up to $10,000 in property taxes plus either state and local income or sales taxes.

Mortgage Interest Deduction

Homeowners with a mortgage can deduct the interest paid on up to $750,000 of mortgage debt for their primary or secondary residence. For individuals filing separately, the interest deduction limit is set at $375,000. The rules vary for mortgages taken out before December 2017.

Charitable Contributions Deduction

Donations to IRS-approved charities may be deductible. The deductible amount depends on the type of donation and generally ranges from 20% to 60% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

‍

Benefits of Choosing Itemised Deductions

Opting for itemised deductions can lead to a higher total deduction than the standard deduction offers. The principle is straightforward: the more you're able to deduct, the lower your tax bill could be. This is the main reason some taxpayers choose to itemise—when their individual deductions surpass the value of the standard deduction, it makes financial sense.

Certain circumstances make itemising even more appealing.

Homeownership, for instance, can significantly boost your deductible amount through mortgage interest and property tax deductions, potentially offering savings that outstrip the standard deduction.

‍

Challenges with Itemised Deductions

As we've discussed, navigating itemised deductions requires understanding specific regulations. Take medical expenses, for instance: only the amount exceeding 7.5% of your adjusted gross income is deductible.

Preparing your tax return could take more time. Opting to itemise means dedicating additional effort to complete Form 1040, Schedule A, and other necessary documentation. This process is more time-consuming compared to simply opting for the standard deduction.

Documentation is crucial. To claim itemised deductions, you must be able to verify your claims with solid evidence.

This means maintaining organised records of your deductible expenses. If you've traditionally opted for the standard deduction but are considering itemising for your next return, it's wise to start gathering your receipts and other relevant documentation well in advance.

‍

Benefits of Opting for the Standard Deduction

The standard deduction offers a straightforward, no-questions-asked way to reduce your adjusted gross income. By choosing it, you're selecting a predetermined deduction amount over sifting through various individual tax deductions.

Key reasons many choose the standard deduction over itemising include:

Simplicity and Speed: Opting for the standard deduction streamlines the tax preparation process, making it quicker and simpler. This convenience is a major factor behind its popularity among taxpayers.

Annual Adjustments: The standard deduction amount is set by Congress and typically rises yearly to keep pace with inflation, potentially increasing your tax savings over time.

Varied Amounts Based on Age, Vision, and Dependency Status: The standard deduction increases for individuals who are 65 or older and blind, although your filing status will still influence the final amount. Conversely, dependents receive a reduced standard deduction.

Consideration for Married Couples: If you're married and filing separately, the choice between itemising and the standard deduction must be unanimous; if one spouse itemises, the other must as well, prohibiting one from taking the standard deduction if the other opts to itemise.

‍

Choosing Between Standard and Itemised Deductions

How do you decide which deduction to take?

If the sum/total of your itemised deductions exceeds your standard deduction, itemising could lead to savings on your taxes. Conversely, if your standard deduction outweighs your itemised deductions, opting for the standard could be a time-saver.

When using tax software or working with a tax preparer, it's worthwhile to explore all potential itemised deductions. This allows the software or preparer to assess your tax situation from both angles, ensuring you select the method that minimises your tax liability. 

This way, even if you choose the standard deduction, you'll have the peace of mind knowing it's the most beneficial choice for you.

‍

Summary

When it comes to reducing your tax bill, learning the difference between standard and itemised deductions is crucial. Opting for itemised deductions means meticulously calculating specific expenses that the IRS allows to lower your taxable income, such as unreimbursed medical costs, property taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable donations. 

Each category has its own rules, making itemisation a potentially beneficial but complex option that requires careful documentation and knowledge of IRS guidelines.

On the other hand, the standard deduction offers a straightforward, hassle-free way to reduce your taxable income without the need to document or calculate individual deductions. It's automatically adjusted for inflation each year, providing a simple method for taxpayers to increase their savings over time potentially. 

The standard deduction amount can vary based on age, blindness, and dependency status, and choosing it can significantly streamline the tax preparation process.

The decision between standard and itemised deductions ultimately depends on which option yields the greater tax savings. If itemised deductions sum up to more than the standard deduction, itemising could be more advantageous. 

However, utilising tax software or consulting with a tax preparer to compare both methods can ensure you make the most financially sound decision. Even if the standard deduction is chosen, knowing it offers the best outcome can provide significant peace of mind.

Say hi to team Inkle.