The Differences between Tax Credits and Tax Deductions

Tax season is here! We believe it's essential for small business owners to understand at least some basic nuances of the tax code to make the most of potential savings. Two terms that often cause confusion but play pivotal roles in reducing your tax liability are tax credits and tax deductions. In this blog post, we'll go through the differences between these two, highlighting how they can impact your tax situation.

Tax Deductions: An Overview

Tax deductions are expenses or contributions that reduce your taxable income. When you incur eligible expenses or make qualifying contributions, you can subtract the total amount from your gross income. The result is your adjusted gross income (AGI), which serves as the basis for calculating your taxable income.

Common examples of tax deductions include:

• Mortgage Interest
• Student Loan Interest
• Medical Expenses
• State and Local Taxes Paid
• Charitable Contributions
• Educator Expenses

Tax deductions can be categorized as either "above-the-line" or "below-the-line". Above-the-line deductions, also known as adjustments to income, are subtracted from your total income to calculate your AGI. Below-the-line deductions are applied after determining your AGI.

Tax Credits: A Deeper Dive

Tax credits, on the other hand, directly reduce your tax liability, providing a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of taxes you owe. While deductions lower your taxable income, credits directly decrease the amount of taxes owed to the government.

Common tax credits include:

• Child Tax Credit
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• American Opportunity Credit (Education)
• Lifetime Learning Credit
• Child and Dependent Care Credit
• Saver's Credit (Retirement Contributions)

Differences and Impact

• Direct Reduction vs. Income Adjustment:
• Tax deductions reduce your taxable income indirectly, affecting the amount of income subject to taxation.
• Tax credits directly decrease the amount of taxes you owe, providing a more direct impact on your final tax liability.
• Value Proposition:
• Deductions are valuable based on your tax bracket. Higher-income individuals may receive more significant savings due to their higher tax rates.
• Tax credits are generally more straightforward and impactful since they directly reduce the taxes owed, regardless of your income level.
• Refundability:
• Some tax credits are refundable, meaning you can receive a refund even if the credit exceeds the taxes owed. Examples include the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Deductions, however, do not result in direct refunds. They reduce the taxable income, which can indirectly impact the amount of taxes owed.

Understanding the differences between tax credits and tax deductions is essential for effective tax planning. While deductions lower your taxable income and can lead to indirect savings, credits provide a direct reduction in your tax liability. Leveraging a combination of both strategies can optimize your overall tax situation, ensuring you keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket. As always, consulting with a tax professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific financial situation.