Tax Reform Brought Significant Changes to Itemized Deductions

There’s less than a month to the April 15th tax deadline and the changes in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) affect almost everyone who itemized deductions on tax returns they filed in previous years. One of these changes is that the TCJA nearly doubled the standard deduction for most taxpayers. This means that many individuals may find it more beneficial to take the standard deduction. However, taxpayers may still consider itemizing if their total deductions exceed the standard deduction amounts.

Here are some highlights taxpayers need to know if they plan to itemize deductions:

Medical and dental expenses

Taxpayers can deduct the part of their medical and dental expenses that’s more than 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income.

State and local taxes

The law limits the deduction of state and local income, sales, and property taxes to a combined, total deduction of $10,000. The amount is $5,000 for married taxpayers filing separate returns. Taxpayers cannot deduct any state and local taxes paid above this amount.

Miscellaneous deductions

The new law suspends the deduction for job-related expenses or other miscellaneous itemized deductions that exceed 2 percent of adjusted gross income. This includes unreimbursed employee expenses such as uniforms, union dues and the deduction for business-related meals, entertainment and travel.

Home equity loan interest

Taxpayers can no longer deduct interest paid on most home equity loans unless they used the loan proceeds to buy, build or substantially improve their main home or second home.

Standard Deduction Amounts – 2018

Filing Status:

Single – $12,000

Married Filing Jointly – $24,000

Married Filing Separately – $24,000

Head of Household – $12,000

More information:

Publication 5307, Tax Reform: Basics for Individuals and Families

Publication 501, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information

Schedule A, Itemized Deductions

Source: IRS

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