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Tax Credits and Deductions

Tax credits and deductions are the provisions that lower what a person or business owes. A deduction reduces the income that is taxed, while a credit reduces the tax itself. Congress writes these rules to serve goals such as supporting families, encouraging savings, and helping with health costs, and the Internal Revenue Service administers them.

People usually bring questions about the difference between a credit and a deduction, how the standard deduction compares with itemizing, and who qualifies for family credits, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and health care subsidies. They also ask about deductions for home ownership, charitable giving, retirement savings, and business costs, and how tax credits work as a policy tool.

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October 9last updated

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