Tax Read Time: 4 min

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Who among us wants to pay the IRS more taxes than we have to?

While few may raise their hands, Americans regularly overpay because they fail to take tax deductions for which they are eligible. Let's take a quick look at the five most overlooked opportunities to manage your tax bill.

  1. Reinvested Dividends: When your mutual fund pays you a dividend or capital gains distribution, that income is a taxable event (unless the fund is held in a tax-deferred account, like an IRA). If you're like most fund owners, you reinvest these payments in additional shares of the fund. The tax trap lurks when you sell your mutual fund. If you fail to add the reinvested amounts back into the investment's cost basis, it can result in double taxation of those dividends.1

    Mutual funds are sold only by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

  2. Out-of-Pocket Charity: It's not just cash donations that are deductible. If you donate goods or use your personal car for charitable work, these are potential tax deductions. Just be sure to get a receipt for any amount over $250.2

  3. State Taxes: Did you owe state taxes when you filed your previous year's tax returns? If you did, don't forget to include this payment as a tax deduction on your current year's tax return. There is currently a $10,000 cap on the state and local tax deduction.3

  4. Medicare Premiums: If you are self-employed (and not covered by an employer plan or your spouse's plan), you may be eligible to deduct premiums paid for Medicare Parts B and D, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Advantage Plan. This deduction is available regardless of whether you itemize deductions or not.4

  5. Income in Respect of a Decedent: If you've inherited an IRA or pension, you may be able to deduct any estate tax paid by the IRA owner from the taxes due on the withdrawals you take from the inherited account.5

1. TheBalance.com, 2021
2. IRS.gov, 2022
3. IRS. gov, 2022
4. IRS. gov, 2022
5. IRS.gov, 2022. In most circumstances, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions from a Traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Withdrawals from Traditional IRAs are taxed as ordinary income and, if taken before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. You may continue to contribute to a Traditional IRA past age 70½ as long as you meet the earned-income requirement.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Saving on Subscription Service Costs

Saving on Subscription Service Costs

There are ways to improve your physical fitness without denting your fiscal fitness.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy or Not to Buy

The decision whether to buy or rent a home may have long-term implications.

9 Facts About Retirement

9 Facts About Retirement

Regardless of how you approach retirement, there are some things about it that might surprise you.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Retirement Income and the Traditional Portfolio

Experiencing negative returns early in retirement can potentially undermine the sustainability of your assets.

Retirement Questions That Have Nothing to Do With Money

Things to consider before retirement.

Variable Universal Life Insurance

Variable Universal Life is permanent insurance in which the policyholder directs how premiums are invested.

View all articles

Saving for Retirement

This calculator can help you estimate how much you may need to save for retirement.

Should I Buy or Lease an Auto?

This calculator compares the financial impact of leasing versus buying an automobile.

Comparing Mortgage Terms

Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.

View all calculators

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

5 Smart Investing Strategies

There are some smart strategies that may help you pursue your investment objectives

An Inside Look at Retirement Living

A number of questions and concerns need to be addressed to help you better prepare for retirement living.

View all presentations

Timing Your Retirement

This short video illustrates why knowing when to retire can be a crucial part of your strategy.

Rightsizing for Retirement

What does your home really cost?

Retirement and Quality of Life

Asking the right questions about how you can save money for retirement without sacrificing your quality of life.

View all videos