Five Important Tax Credits
by Alan R. Sasserath, CPA, MS and staff
Five Tax credits are available for everyone who qualifies in reducing tax owed to the government. These tax credits are a dollar-for-dollar reduction and some may even get you a refund. Make sure that you have gone thoroughly through your finances and included some of these five, if not all, when filing your federal income tax return. Each one offers various tax amounts in credit that will help you save on your taxes.
Here are the five most popular Tax Credits you might qualify for:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable credit for certain people who work and have earned income from wages, self-employment or farming. Income, age and the number of qualifying children determine the amount of the credit. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund. For more information see IRS Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.
- The Child and Dependent Care Credit is for expenses paid for the care of your qualifying children under age 13, or for a disabled spouse or dependent, to enable you to work or look for work. For more information, see IRS Publication 503, Child and Dependent Care Expenses.
- The Child Tax Credit is for people who have a qualifying child. The maximum amount of the credit is $1,000 for each qualifying child. This credit can be claimed in addition to the credit for child and dependent care expenses. For more information on the Child Tax Credit, see IRS Publication 972, Child Tax Credit.
- The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, also known as the Saver’s Credit, is designed to help low-to-moderate income workers save for retirement. You may qualify if your income is below a certain limit and you contribute to an IRA or workplace retirement plan, such as a 401(k) plan. The Saver’s Credit is available in addition to any other tax savings that apply. For more information, see IRS Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs).
- The Health Coverage Tax Credit pays up to 80% of the health insurance premiums for eligible Trade Adjustment Assistance recipients and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation payees. You can complete IRS Form 8885, Health Coverage Tax Credit to claim the credit on your tax return. To determine if you’re qualified, or to find out how to receive the HCTC each month, visit IRS.gov and search for “HCTC.”
Various tax credits are also available to eligible taxpayers. You only need to qualify in each one and get the right forms in order to include them in your federal income tax returns. Check carefully and if you need more information or have questions, visit IRS.gov. IRS forms and publications are also available by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).