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Maximize Your Tax Savings: Beyond Standard Deductions

In the intricate landscape of tax planning, understanding how different types of deductions—such as above-the-line, below-the-line, and both standard and itemized deductions—affect your tax outcomes is indispensable. Each deduction type plays a vital role in reducing taxable income and thus influences your overall tax obligation.

Above-the-line deductions, often referred to as "adjustments to income," are particularly advantageous because they can be claimed whether you opt for itemizing your deductions or choose the standard deduction. These deductions reduce your gross income to arrive at your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). A lower AGI is pivotal since many tax credits and deductions are only available below certain AGI thresholds. Let's delve deeper into some of the key above-the-line deductions:

  1. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: This exclusion allows eligible U.S. citizens and resident aliens working abroad to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income in 2025, in addition to below-the-line housing exclusions.

  2. Educator Expenses: Eligible educators can deduct up to $300 for unreimbursed classroom-related expenses, enhancing both educational delivery and tax planning strategies.

  3. Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: Participating in a high-deductible health plan allows contributions to an HSA, offering tax-free savings for medical expenses and reducing AGI.

  4. Self-Employed Retirement Plan Contributions: Contributions to SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and other qualified plans help self-employed individuals decrease taxable income while securing retirement savings.

  5. Self-Employed Health Insurance Premiums: Deduct premiums for health insurance covering yourself, your spouse, dependents, and eligible children under age 27.

  6. Alimony Payments: Deductible for agreements finalized before 2019, these payments offer tax relief by lowering taxable income for the payer.

  7. Student Loan Interest: Deduct up to $2,500 of interest on qualified student loans, providing substantial tax relief for borrowers.

  8. IRA Contributions: Contribute to a traditional IRA with deductible limits of up to $7,000 annually ($8,000 if over 50), benefiting from tax-deferred growth.

  9. Military Moving Expenses: Deduct relocation costs associated with permanent change of station for active-duty service members.

  10. Early Withdrawal Penalty: Deduct penalties from early withdrawal of savings, such as those from CDs, to offset corresponding income.

  11. Contributions to Archer MSAs: While mostly replaced by HSAs, Archer MSAs offer tax-saving opportunities with deductions on contributions.

  12. Jury Duty Pay Given to Employer: Offset dual taxation by deducting jury duty pay turned over to your employer.

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Below-the-line deductions now include a variety of deductions that apply in addition to itemized or standard deductions. Changes stemming from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) have expanded these options. Below are some of the principal below-the-line deductions:

  1. 199A Pass-through Deduction: Starting in 2026, this deduction permanently offers significant tax benefits for owners of pass-through entities, allowing a 20% deduction on qualified business income.

  2. Disaster-related Deductions: These deductions support financial recovery from federally declared disasters without necessitating itemization.

  3. Senior Deduction: A temporary deduction for filers age 65 and over, offering significant relief with thresholds based on AGI.

  4. Non-itemizer Charitable Deduction: Beginning in 2026, allows for substantial charitable contributions deductions without itemization.

  5. Car Loan Interest Deduction: Temporarily available for loans on new personal-use vehicles assembled in the U.S., adding a notable tax-saving avenue.

  6. Tips Deduction: Deductible until 2028, offering considerable relief for workers in tipped professions.

  7. Overtime Pay Deduction: Offers notable benefits by allowing deduction of the premium portion of overtime pay, applicable through 2028.

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Effectively navigating the tax landscape requires an understanding of all available deductions. While the ease of the standard deduction is enticing, the tailored benefits of itemizing, or finding deductions regardless of itemization status, could maximize your savings. The choice between standard and itemized deductions fundamentally rests on your unique financial situation, with the potential to significantly bolster your tax efficiency.

For personalized guidance, reach out to our office with any questions or specific scenarios you may be facing this tax season.

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