The 2010 tax year offered many deductions and credits for those who chose to itemize their deductions. That is good news for many taxpayer’s but the better news is that there are some new 2011 tax credits that many people may not be aware of, and better still some of these credits can be used even if you do not itemize on your tax return. One credit that some of us might overlook is an energy tax deduction.
The energy credit can be taken up ten percent on a project with a five-hundred dollar cap. It can be used on anything from gas, electric or oil water heaters to energy star windows. check with your tax professional or the IRS for information on energy related deductions and credits.
Other credit that might be overlooked are Education Incentives. One such deduction under this heading would be the American Opportunity Tax Credit. This is a credit of up to $2500.00 of the cost of tuition and related expenses. This also includes the cost of materials. There is also a deduction or credit for the interest paid on a student loan.
There are many credits for families that are worth looking into. Child tax credit as well as Dependant Care Tax credit. Dependant Care Credit allows a taxpayer credit for a percentage of childcare expenses for children under the age of 13 or disabled dependants.