Maximise tax refund with strategies and considerations. In 2024, new IRS brackets may boost refunds, possibly up to 10% more than last year, according to experts.
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How to Get a Bigger Tax Refund?
When it comes to maximising your tax refund, there are several strategies and considerations that can help you secure a larger refund.
Tax refunds in 2024 could be larger than the previous year due to new IRS brackets. Some experts mentioned that individuals might receive up to 10% more than the previous year.
With careful planning and strategic deductions, however, you can maximise your tax benefit and potentially increase your refund amount.
Strategies to Get a Bigger Tax Refund
Here are some key strategies to consider to get a bigger tax refund:
Know Your Filing Status:
- Choosing the right filing status significantly impacts your tax liability and potential refund.
- Common options include single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, and qualifying widow(er).
Claim Eligible Deductions:
- Deductions directly reduce your taxable income, potentially leading to a larger refund. The two main categories are standard deductions and itemised deductions.
- The standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount set by the IRS and often the simpler option.
- However, if your itemised deductions (like mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and certain medical expenses) exceed the standard deduction, you might benefit from itemising.
Explore Tax Credits:
- Unlike deductions, tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe dollar-for-dollar.
- Some common examples include the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, and American Opportunity Tax Credit.
- Eligibility requirements vary, so carefully review the IRS website to determine which credits you qualify for.
Contribute to Retirement and Health Savings Accounts:
- Contributions to certain accounts, like traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), are often tax-deductible.
- This lowers your taxable income, potentially increasing your refund.
Review Withholding Allowances:
- Your employer withholds taxes from your paychecks based on your W-4 form selections.
- If you constantly receive large refunds or owe taxes at year-end, consider adjusting your W-4 allowances using the IRS Withholding Estimator.
Seek Professional Guidance (Optional):
- Tax laws can be complex, and navigating them independently can be overwhelming.
- If you have a complicated financial situation, own a business, or have significant investments, consider consulting a qualified tax professional.
New IRS Brackets that could increase your refund this year
The 2024 tax brackets were adjusted for inflation, resulting in increases of approximately 5.4% compared to the 2023 brackets. This means that if your income remained consistent in 2023 compared to 2022, you might be in a lower tax bracket in 2024, potentially leading to a larger refund when you file your tax return.
Single filers and married couples filing jointly:
Single Filers:
- Taxable income less than or equal to $11,600: 10% tax rate
- Taxable income between $11,601 and $47,150: 12% tax rate
- Taxable income between $47,151 and $100,525: 22% tax rate
- Taxable income above $100,525: 24% tax rate
Married Filing Jointly:
- Taxable income less than or equal to $23,200: 10% tax rate
- Taxable income between $23,201 and $94,300: 12% tax rate
- Taxable income between $94,301 and $201,050: 22% tax rate
- Taxable income above $201,050: 24% tax rate
Some tax credits to Increase your Refund
Here are some tax credits that can potentially increase your tax refund in 2024:
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):
- This refundable credit is available to low- and moderate-income workers and families.
- The amount of the credit you receive depends on your income, filing status, and the number of qualifying children you have.
Child Tax Credit:
- This credit is available to taxpayers with qualifying children under the age of 17.
- The amount of the credit is generally non-refundable, meaning it can only reduce your tax liability to zero, but cannot create a refund.
- However, if the credit amount exceeds your tax liability, a portion may be refundable.
American Opportunity Tax Credit:
- This credit helps offset education expenses for qualified higher education students.
- The credit is partially refundable, meaning it can reduce your tax liability to zero and provide a refund for any remaining amount.
Additional Child Tax Credit:
- This credit is available to qualifying taxpayers who care for a dependent under the age of 19 or a disabled dependent of any age.
- The credit is non-refundable, but it can reduce your tax liability.
Saver’s Credit:
- This credit is available to low- and moderate-income individuals who contribute to a retirement account, such as an IRA or a 401(k).
- The credit provides a percentage of your contributions back as a tax credit.
Health Coverage Tax Credit:
- This credit helps individuals and families afford health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
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