Hidden savings: Commonly overlooked tax deductions

Tax filing deadlines are approaching…have you filed yet? To lessen the anxiety of the season, take this opportunity to explore overlooked deductions that can help lower your tax bill. While most people are aware of popular deductions like mortgage interest and charitable contributions, there are several lesser-known categories that can help you save. 

Child and Dependent Care  

Did you pay for childcare while working or job hunting? If so, you likely meet the criteria. Typically, your child must be 12 years old or younger and considered your dependent. This credit also applies if you’re paying someone to care for a spouse or dependent (irrespective of their age) if they are incapable of self-care. In most instances, you’ll need to acquire the care provider’s social security number or taxpayer identification number and include it on your return.  

Job Searching 

Hunting for a new job? Related expenses may be tax-deductible. Costs such as resume preparation, travel expenses for job interviews, and even fees paid to employment agencies can be claimed as deductions. While there are limitations and criteria to meet, exploring this deduction can ease the financial burden that accompanies unemployment.   

Medical Expenses & Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) 

Besides the obvious healthcare costs, travel expenses to and from appointments, medically justified home improvements, and even some alternative treatments may be deductible. Contributions made to your HSA are also eligible for tax deductions. Not only do the funds in your account grow tax-free when used for qualified health care expenses, but your contributions can also help lower your overall tax liability.  

Student Loan Interest Paid by Others 

There are instances where parents or others contribute to the repayment of a student loan. In these cases, if the individual is not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return—and is legally obligated to repay the loan—they can still benefit from the tax deduction for the interest paid by others. This gives a valuable opportunity to families or benefactors assisting with educational expenses to alleviate the burden of student loan interest.   

Home Office  

The IRS allows taxpayers to claim a portion of their home-related expenses, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, utilities, and even a percentage of rent. The deduction is calculated based on the percentage of the home used for business, offering a practical way for self-employed individuals and remote workers to recoup some of the expenses incurred while conducting business from the comfort of their homes. 

Educational Expenses 

Whether you’re enhancing your skills for your current job or investing in a new career path, some educational deductions can maximize your tax savings and help ease the financial strain. The Lifetime Learning Credit and the American Opportunity Credit are two valuable options. These credits cover qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees, and course materials. 

Energy-Efficient Home Improvements 

If you’ve invested in energy-efficient upgrades for your home, such as solar panels, energy-efficient windows, or a new HVAC system, you may be eligible for tax credits. The Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit and the Non-Business Energy Property Tax Credit can provide substantial savings. Not only do these improvements help the planet, but they can also boost your tax refund. 

This article is shared by our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit.

Note that neither Bay Federal Credit Union nor GreenPath Financial Wellness are able to provide legal or tax advice. This information is intended for general information only. You must consult a qualified tax professional to determine what deductions are applicable for your unique tax situation. Visit www.bayfed.com for additional financial wellness resources.

About Bay Federal Credit Union

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 86,000 members and 2,400 local businesses throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.6 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteer for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.