What is a tax write-off?
A tax write-off, also known as a tax deduction, is an expense that can be subtracted from a taxpayer's gross income to reduce the amount of income subject to taxation.
For example, if you earn $50,000 in a year and have $5,000 in tax write-offs, your taxable income would be reduced to $45,000. This means you would owe less in taxes than if you did not have any tax write-offs.
What are some common tax write-offs?
Some common tax write-offs include:
- Charitable donations
- Mortgage interest
- State and local taxes
- Medical expenses
- Business expenses
- Education expenses
How do I claim tax write-offs?
To claim tax write-offs, you must itemize your deductions on your tax return. This means you must list each deduction separately and provide documentation to support each deduction.
Alternatively, you can take the standard deduction, which is a set amount determined by the IRS based on your filing status. If your total itemized deductions are less than the standard deduction, it may be more beneficial to take the standard deduction instead.
Are all tax write-offs created equal?
No, not all tax write-offs are created equal. Some deductions have limits or phase-outs based on your income level, while others may only be available in certain circumstances. It's important to consult with a tax professional or use tax preparation software to ensure you are claiming all the deductions you are eligible 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.