Blog

We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Maximizing Tax Benefits: Deductions Beyond Itemizing

In the intricate landscape of tax deductions, navigating the distinctions between above-the-line deductions, below-the-line deductions, and standard or itemized deductions is pivotal for strategic tax planning. Each category uniquely influences taxable income calculations and overall tax liability, shaping financial outcomes for individuals significantly.

Above-the-line deductions, often referred to as “adjustments to income,” offer substantial benefits as they apply regardless of choosing the standard or itemized deduction. Critically, above-the-line deductions reduce the individual's gross income to yield the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), a determinant for additional tax credits and deductions eligibility. Here’s a detailed breakdown of prominent above-the-line deductions:

Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion allows qualifying U.S. citizens and resident aliens abroad to exclude a specified amount of foreign income from U.S. taxation, with 2025 limits set at $130,000 plus a housing exclusion.Image 1

Educator Expenses: This provides a deduction for eligible educators up to $300 on unreimbursed costs for classroom supplies and professional development activities, involving materials ranging from books to computer equipment.

Health Savings Account (HSA) Contributions: Those enrolled in high-deductible health plans (HDHP) can contribute to an HSA, enabling tax-free savings for medical expenditures while lowering AGI.

Self-Employed Retirement Plan Contributions: Self-employed individuals benefit from deductions on contributions to retirement plans such as SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and 401(k)s, fostering tax-deferred retirement savings.

Self-Employed Health Insurance Premiums: This deduction for self-employed individuals aids in offsetting healthcare expenses by allowing deductions for premiums paid for insurance covering themselves and their families.

Alimony Payments: Alimony deductions applicable to agreements before 2019 lighten the taxable income of the payer under pre-2019 conditions, but are not available post-December 31, 2018, due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Student Loan Interest: Borrowers can deduct up to $2,500 on interest from qualified student loans, easing their financial burden and reducing taxable income.

IRA Contributions: Deductible contributions to traditional IRAs enable taxpayers to lower taxable income, up to $7,000 annually ($8,000 if over 50), based on income thresholds.

Military Moving Expenses: Active-duty members can deduct unreimbursed expenses for PCS relocations, with Intelligence Community members eligible starting in 2026.

Early Withdrawal Penalty: Taxpayers can offset income with deductions for penalties incurred through early withdrawal of specific savings instruments such as CDs.

Contributions to Archer MSAs: Though largely replaced by HSAs, eligible individuals can deduct contributions to MSAs aimed at saving for medical expenses.

Jury Duty Pay Given to Employer: Taxpayers fulfilling jury duty pay obligations to their employer can deduct this sum, avoiding double taxation on compensation.Image 2

Conversely, below-the-line deductions have evolved to encompass a variety of deductions that reduce taxable income, independent of AGI or itemized status. Thanks to provisions like the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA), this category includes deductions like:

199A pass-through deduction: Benefiting non-C corporation business owners, this provision allows for deductions based on 20% of qualified business income, with changes to enhance permanence and thresholds post-2026.

Disaster Related Deductions: These help mitigate financial loss for damages from federally declared disasters, without requiring itemization.

Senior Deduction: Offered under OBBBA between 2025-2028, it provides $6,000-$12,000 deductions contingent on age and filing status.

Non-itemizer Charitable Deduction: From 2026, non-itemizers can deduct substantiated cash donations, up to $1,000 or $2,000 based on filing status.

Car Loan Interest Deduction: Temporarily available between 2025-2028, it covers interest on new personal-use vehicles, phasing out beyond specific income levels.

Tips Deduction: Briefly available between 2025-2028, this deduction applies to tip income under specified occupations and limits.

Overtime Pay Deduction: Available from 2025-2028, this allows deductions on the premium portion of overtime pay.Image 3

In summary, while itemizing is an attractive option for many, understanding the larger matrix of deductions can lead to extensive tax savings. With adjustments in standard deduction values and the inclusivity of various below-the-line deductions, tailoring your approach—whether through itemizing intricacies or leveraging the simplicity of above-the-line benefits—can be highly advantageous. This enables taxpayers to keep more of what they earn. Reach out to us for personalized guidance on optimizing your tax strategy.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and accounting tips & insights you need to know.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

We care about the protection of your data.