Income Tax

Many people prize tax deductions. The promise of a deduction can affect decisions in many areas, including charitable contributions, home buying, and investing in rental property. However, tax deductions offer only partial relief because they reduce income, not the tax bill. The higher your income and tax bracket, the more you'll benefit from a tax deduction.

A tax credit, on the other hand, is a direct reduction of the tax you owe. If Heidi and Ken both receive a $1,000 tax credit, they'll both trim their tax obligation by $1,000. Moreover, many tax credits have income limits and phaseouts, which effectively means they're available to low- and middle-income taxpayers but not to people with relatively high incomes.

A tax deduction reduces your taxable income, while a tax credit reduces the tax owed.

More credits, more assistance

There are many credits available to taxpayers depending on income. The child tax credit, child and independent care tax credit, higher education credits and more.

Income tax planning will go a long way toward helping you take advantage of all available credits deductions to which you are entitled. HLB Gross Collins, P.C. can help you plan to make the most of these dollar-for-dollar tax savers.