More Tax Breaks You May Not Know About: CCH Examines Deductions Taxpayers Tend to Forget

RIVERWOODS, Ill., March 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The best part of working on a tax return is finding out how much you'll get back in a refund. Many taxpayers already count on popular deductions, such as dependents and mortgage interest, but may be forgetting some others that can also generate more tax breaks. CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business and a leading global provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services (CCHGroup.com), takes a look at a few tax deductions that are commonly overlooked – good to know if you haven't filed your 2012 tax return yet.

"Whether you hire a tax professional or file your own return, the preparer needs to know what expenses you've incurred and donations you've made to see if you're entitled to additional deductions," said Mark Luscombe, JD, LLM, CPA and CCH Principal Federal Tax Analyst. "Some taxpayers may already be lowering their overall tax bill and not even realizing it."

Three Deductions Often Missed

Medical Expenses – Having to pay income taxes in a year where you also incurred significant medical bills can be especially tough. But some of those medical costs could come off your taxes, depending on how much you paid compared to how much you earned. Luscombe explains more in this video clip: Overlooked Deductions/Medical Expenses.

Gambling Losses – Yes, there may be a silver lining when it comes to money you may have lost in the casino, at the track or on other legal wagers that didn't go your way. Luscombe explains in this video clip: Overlooked Deductions/Gambling Losses.

Charitable Contributions – Are you counting every donation made to qualified charities or other non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations? Luscombe explains what other donations and expenses may earn you an additional tax deduction in this video clip: Overlooked Deductions/Charitable Contributions.

IRA Deductions

If you're eligible, one above-the-line deduction on Form 1040 or 1040A that may generate tax savings relates to contributions made to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). The maximum deduction for an IRA is $5,000 for 2012 or $6,000 for individuals 50 and older making a catch-up contribution. For 2012, the deduction begins to phase out at adjusted gross income (AGI) levels above $58,000 ($92,000 for joint filers) and is not available to taxpayers with AGI above $68,000 ($112,000).

Individuals have until April 15, 2013, to make contributions to their IRAs that apply to 2012 tax returns.

About CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business

CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business (CCHGroup.com) is a leading global provider of tax, accounting and audit information, software and services. It has served tax, accounting and business professionals since 1913. Among its market-leading solutions are The ProSystem fx^® Suite, CorpSystem^®, CCH^® IntelliConnect^®, Accounting Research Manager^® and the U.S. Master Tax Guide^®. CCH is based in Riverwoods, Ill. Follow us now on Twitter @CCHMediaHelp. Wolters Kluwer (www.wolterskluwer.com) is a market-leading global information services company. Wolters Kluwer is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Its shares are quoted on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices.

SOURCE CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business