DON’T FORGET: The tax deadline is fast approaching. Contact us to get started on your return today.

Maximize Your Tax Savings: Beyond Standard Deductions

In the intricate landscape of tax deductions, distinguishing between above-the-line and below-the-line deductions, alongside standard and itemized deductions, is imperative for strategic tax planning. These categories fundamentally alter how taxable income is assessed, directly affecting an individual’s tax obligations.

Above-the-line deductions, also called "adjustments to income," offer flexibility, allowing deductions regardless of whether a taxpayer opts for itemizing or the standard deduction. By reducing gross income to the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), these deductions can influence eligibility for numerous tax credits and deductions, many of which have AGI-based limitations. Here are key insights into these deductions:

Image 1
  1. Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: This provision allows eligible U.S. citizens and residents abroad to omit certain foreign income from U.S. taxation. For 2025, this exclusion amounts to $130,000 plus a housing exclusion, deducted below-the-line.

  2. Educator Expenses: This permits eligible educators to deduct up to $300 on unreimbursed classroom-related expenses.

  3. HSA Contributions: Participating in a high-deductible health plan enables tax-free contributions toward medical expenses, effectively lowering AGI.

  4. Self-Employed Retirement Contributions: Contributions to retirement plans like SEP IRAs or 401(k)s reduce taxable income, benefiting self-employed individuals aiming for tax-deferred growth.

  5. Self-Employed Health Insurance: This deduction aids those paying premiums for health insurance, providing relief while reducing taxable income.

  6. Alimony Payments: Applicable to agreements before 2019, this deduction for payers is beneficial, though phased out by new tax reforms.

  7. Student Loan Interest: This deduction allows a maximum of $2,500 for interest on education-related loans, phasing out at higher incomes.

  8. IRA Contributions: Taxpayers can deduct contributions up to designated limits, facilitating tax advantages for traditional IRAs.

  9. Military Moving Expenses: Eligible military service members can deduct costs incurred during a PCS, with extended eligibility to Intelligence Community members starting 2026.

  10. Early Withdrawal Penalty: Penalties on early savings withdrawals are deductible, reducing taxable income.

  11. Archer MSA Contributions: Designed for medical savings, these tax-advantaged accounts have been largely overtaken by HSAs.

  12. Jury Duty Pay to Employer: This deduction ensures employees aren't taxed twice when jury compensation is remitted to employers.

Image 3

Below-the-line deductions have evolved beyond just the standard or itemized deductions. Recent legislative updates, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), have expanded these deductions significantly. Below is a brief on these deductions:

  1. 199A Pass-through Deduction: This offers a deduction up to 20% for qualifying business income from various pass-through structures, with new provisions to solidify its benefits.

  2. Disaster-Related Deductions: These deductions address losses from federally declared disasters, providing tax relief without needing itemization.

  3. Senior Deduction: Applicable from 2025, this deduction provides substantial relief to seniors, not replacing existing additional standard deductions.

  4. Non-itemizer Charitable Deduction: Set to begin in 2026, this permits deductions for verified donations to eligible charities.

  5. Car Loan Interest Deduction: Temporary in nature, this deduction supports purchases of U.S.-assembled new personal vehicles.

  6. Tips Deduction: Recognizes the financial impact of tips income, offering deduction for specified occupations.

  7. Overtime Pay Deduction: Available temporarily, this targets deductions for the excess premium of overtime wages.

In conclusion, while itemizing deductions captures much attention, understanding and utilizing above and below-the-line deductions can significantly impact taxable income. Evaluating options like student loan interest or education expenses may unlock further savings.

Deciding between the standard deduction, bolstered to $15,750 for singles and $31,500 for couples under the OBBBA, and itemizing deductions, requires assessing comprehensive personal financial scenarios. Each path offers its own advantages, ensuring you retain more earnings after taxes. Image 2To explore these avenues further, PM Enterprises Inc is here to guide you through optimizing your tax strategy systematically.

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.

PM Enterprises Inc We'd love to chat!
Please feel free to use our Ai chat assistant or contact us using the buttons below.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully