What are tax credits?
Tax credits are a type of tax incentive that reduces the amount of tax owed by an individual or business. They are typically offered by governments as a way to encourage certain behaviors or activities that are deemed beneficial to society or the economy.
Tax credits can take many forms, such as credits for investing in renewable energy, hiring veterans, or providing health insurance to employees.
How do tax credits work?
Tax credits work by reducing the amount of tax owed by an individual or business. For example, if an individual owes $5,000 in taxes and is eligible for a $1,000 tax credit, their tax bill would be reduced to $4,000.
It's important to note that tax credits are different from tax deductions. Tax deductions reduce the amount of income that is subject to tax, while tax credits reduce the amount of tax owed directly.
What are some common types of tax credits?
There are many different types of tax credits, but some of the most common include:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit
- American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
- Lifetime Learning Credit
- Renewable Energy Tax Credits
- Health Insurance Tax Credits
How can I find out if I'm eligible for tax credits?
Eligibility for tax credits varies depending on the specific credit. Some tax credits are available to all taxpayers, while others have specific income or activity requirements.
The best way to find out if you're eligible for tax credits is to consult with a tax professional or use tax preparation software that can help you identify credits that you may qualify for.
Nick Simpson
Founder @ WorkMade
I started working for myself at 9. My first tax bill showed up at 14. I didn’t understand it, and nobody around me could really explain it. If you’ve been there, you get it. Twenty years later, after creative directing for brands in New York and buying and selling a few companies, I kept seeing the same thing: smart, talented people losing money to a system that wasn’t built for how they work. That’s why I built WorkMade. Not to make taxes “easier to understand” but to make them disappear into the background, so you can get on with your life.