Home Blogs Category: Tax Deductions and Credits

Category: Tax Deductions and Credits

Deductions and credits may be similar but they are far from identical when it comes to your tax return. A tax deduction is a qualifying expense that decreases your taxable income. On the other hand, tax credits allow taxpayers to reduce their tax due to the IRS, dollar-for-dollar. You subtract the amount that the credit is worth from your tax liabilities. If you had to compare the two, a tax credit is more valuable on your tax return. Want to learn more about different credits you are eligible for or tax expenses you can claim? PriorTax tells you about expenses you can claim.

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2019 Tax Calculator

2019 Tax Calculator

If you need to file back taxes for 2019, a tax calculator is something you’ll want to have in your back pocket during the process. A federal tax calculator for the 2019 tax year will give you an estimate of what your tax liability was for that year and can help guide your next steps.

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file prior year taxes

FILE PRIOR YEAR TAXES

How to File Prior Year Taxes
Don’t stress about how to file prior year taxes. It is a step-by-step process that you can follow to file your prior year tax returns with confidence. Getting on top of filing prior year taxes may be easier than you think.

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file 2019 taxes

FILE 2019 TAXES

Now that you’ve decided to get back on track with your tax filing obligations, where to start? The first step to filing any prior-year tax return, including your 2019 taxes, is to gather all the information you will need.

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2020 tax year

What’s New for the 2020 Tax Year?

Here’s the breakdown of all the changes. Standard deduction For the 2020 tax year, the standard deduction amounts have increased. Here are the amounts below. For taxpayers who are blind or at least 65 years old, they can claim an additional standard deduction. The standard deduction is $1,300 and $1,650 for the single or head […]

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dependent tax credit

Tax Deductions: Choosing to Itemize or Claiming the Standard Deduction

Trying to understand anything tax related makes you feel like you’re back in grade school. However, it doesn’t have to be difficult. Here’s some sure-fire information that may help you out if you’re a first time filer, or if you have some general questions about claiming tax deductions. What’s the difference between claiming the standard […]

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7 Important Life Changes That Impact Your Taxes

7 Important Life Changes That Impact Your Taxes

With life, situations change and they come with certain tax implications. One year makes a difference. From getting married, transitioning into a new job to having your own bundle of joy, your tax situation changes as well. Here are some examples. 1. Tying the knot Getting married is a big step in everyone’s lives. Along […]

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What is a 1098-T Form?

What is a 1098-T Form?

Unfortunately, education isn’t free for some students. If you’re a college student, parent, guardian or anyone paying out-of-pocket for tuition, fees, and required course materials needed for enrollment, you will receive a Form 1098-T. This tuition statement form reports all of your transactions, which means the payments you make to your school. What does a 1098-T […]

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How are Charitable Deductions Affected by the TCJA?

How are Charitable Deductions Affected by the TCJA?

Generosity has its perks, or rather its tax benefits. Keep in mind, taxpayers are able to easily itemize once they exceed their standard deduction. This typically happens by taxpayers claiming charitable donations along with any expenses they have. It then becomes greater than their standard deduction. However, the standard deduction is twice the amount for 2017. […]

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Student Loan Interest Deduction Income Limit

Student Loan Interest Deduction Income Limit

Strapped for cash as a recent grad? See if you qualify for a student loan interest deduction. College is over and you’ve been blasted with a taste of reality…or should I say adulthood? It’s tough but you’ll get through it. Even the IRS is on your side with certain deductions available to those of us who […]

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Can I Deduct Overlooked Expenses from Previous Years on This Year’s Taxes?

Can I Deduct Overlooked Expenses from Previous Years on This Year’s Taxes?

Lumping overlooked tax deductions in with this year’s return is hardly an option. Generally speaking, you cannot deduct expenses from a previous year on this year’s tax return. You can only deduct expenses in the year that you paid for them. Each tax return reports finances for its own year and each of those years needs […]

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