Remote Work Expenses
Let’s be blunt if your kitchen table moonlights as your office, you may be leaving money on the table at tax time. Remote and hybrid workers often don’t realize they can deduct things like part of their rent or mortgage (if they use a dedicated home office), high speed internet, ergonomic chairs, and even software upgrades.
But here’s the catch: the IRS isn’t handing out blanket deductions. You need a clearly defined workspace, and you should be self employed or have a contractual agreement that requires remote work. If you’re a W 2 employee without a home office stipend or formal remote work mandate, the deductions get trickier.
Still, many eligible workers skip the paperwork or miss details that could save hundreds. Know what qualifies, keep your receipts, and don’t assume your tax software will catch it for you.
For more on what counts (and what doesn’t), check out this guide: How to Maximize Deductions as a Remote or Hybrid Worker
Student Loan Interest (Even If Someone Else Paid)
Here’s something most people miss: if you’re legally responsible for a student loan, you can deduct the interest up to $2,500 a year even if someone else (like a parent or partner) is footing the bill. The key here is legal responsibility. If your name is on the loan and you’re the one required to pay it back, the IRS considers you eligible.
Now, this deduction isn’t itemized it’s an adjustment, which makes it easier to claim. But there are income limits. For 2024, the deduction starts phasing out at $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income for single filers ($155,000 for joint returns) and disappears completely above $90,000 ($185,000 for couples). So if you’ve crossed into higher income territory, this may not help you.
Still, for plenty of taxpayers, this is a clean way to cut taxable income. The interest usually shows up on a Form 1098 E from your loan servicer, and it doesn’t matter who made the payments just that you’re the one on the hook. Pro tip: even if your loan payments are paused or reduced, any interest that accrues may still be deductible, so don’t skip checking.
Job Hunting Costs
Looking for a new job in your current field? You might be able to write off some of the costs tied to that search things like travel for interviews, résumé services, and even printing expenses. There’s a catch, though: the job must be in the same industry or career path, and these costs only qualify if you’re itemizing your deductions. Starting a brand new career or taking a long break before the search? Then it likely doesn’t apply.
Also worth knowing: application fees, career coaching, and postage for mail in applications are often overlooked but could count. It’s not a huge windfall, but if your job search is serious and documented, these deductions can help cut what you owe or boost your refund. Keep receipts, track mileage, and talk to a tax pro if you’re unsure what qualifies.
Continuing Education
If you’re investing in yourself professionally, certain expenses related to continuing education may qualify as tax deductions. These must be specifically tied to your current job, industry, or trade education for a new career path typically doesn’t apply.
What Qualifies:
Courses and certifications that maintain or improve skills in your existing field
Workshops, seminars, and training programs
Subscriptions to industry specific learning platforms
Memberships in professional organizations related to your career
Common Examples:
An online refresher course for software developers
A certification renewal for healthcare professionals
A digital marketing workshop for small business owners
Annual fees for a professional engineering society
Be Prepared:
Keep receipts, registration confirmations, and proof of payment
Ask whether platform or instructor fees are tax compliant expenses
Ensure the course content is directly tied to your current role or income earning activity
Taxpayers often overlook these deductions even when they’re investing significant time and money in their careers. If you’re learning to stay relevant in your field, it’s worth reviewing whether your educational expenses can help lighten your tax burden.
State Sales Tax
If you live in a state that doesn’t collect income tax think Florida, Texas, Nevada you still have a chance to lower your federal tax bill. The IRS lets you deduct state and local sales taxes instead of income taxes. For people in no income tax states, this is your lane.
You’ve got two options: save every receipt throughout the year (not fun), or use the IRS’s sales tax deduction calculator to estimate your allowable deduction based on income, zip code, and big ticket purchases. Cars, boats, and major home appliances can push your deduction higher, so don’t leave those out.
Bottom line, the sales tax write off is often overlooked but can add up especially if you spent big and live where income tax isn’t part of the picture.
Medical Travel
If you’re racking up miles getting to and from doctor visits, you might be leaving money on the table. The IRS lets you deduct mileage driven for qualified medical reasons this includes trips to the doctor, pharmacy runs, or regular treatments like physical therapy but only if you itemize your deductions and your total medical expenses exceed a certain percentage of your adjusted gross income (7.5% as of now).
The standard medical mileage rate changes annually, so check the current IRS rate before calculating. Keep a clean log of travel dates, destinations, and miles driven nothing fancy, just accurate. If you use ride shares or public transportation for medical visits, those costs could also be included.
Bottom line: if your health requires you to move, track those miles. They might just move your tax return in the right direction.
Energy Efficient Home Improvements
Green upgrades aren’t just good for your utility bill they’re also paying off at tax time. Starting in 2026, a refreshed batch of federal tax credits and deductions kicks in for homeowners who invest in energy efficiency. We’re talking insulation that keeps your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, energy efficient windows that cut down on drafts and costs, and solar panels that can cover a chunk of your power needs or even send some back to the grid.
These upgrades might qualify for credits under the expanded Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit or Residential Clean Energy Credit. The key? The updates need to meet the government’s specific energy standards, and you’ll want to keep all purchase and installation documentation handy. The upfront costs drop when you factor in long term savings and tax perks.
Bottom line: if you’re already planning a home improvement, doing it the energy smart way could mean money back in your pocket come tax season.
Jury Duty Pay Sent to Your Employer
Serving on a jury doesn’t mean giving up your paycheck but it can come with a small tax break. If your employer keeps paying your regular salary while you’re on jury duty and then asks you to sign over the jury duty pay you received, the IRS lets you deduct that same amount on your tax return.
Here’s how it works in plain terms: Say you earned $50 from jury service, but your employer required you to hand it over. You still have to report the $50 as income (since the court issued it to you), but you can take a deduction for the full $50, effectively canceling it out.
It’s a detail easy to overlook but worth catching. Just keep the pay stub or documentation from the court and your employer. The deduction goes under “Other Adjustments” on your 1040 schedule.
Small money? Sure. But when it comes to taxes, every win counts.
Out of Pocket Charitable Donations
When it comes to charitable giving, most people remember large donations cash gifts, big ticket items, or direct contributions to organizations. But what’s often overlooked are the many small expenses that add up over the year.
Common Missed Charitable Expenses
You may be able to deduct out of pocket expenses directly related to volunteer work or charitable events, as long as they are properly documented and connected to a qualified nonprofit:
Food and supplies you purchased for fundraising events or donation drives
Mileage driven to and from volunteer commitments
Parking, tolls, and transportation costs incurred while volunteering
Uniforms or clothing required for charitable service (that aren’t suitable for everyday wear)
What You’ll Need
To claim these deductions, be sure to:
Keep receipts and written records of your expenses
Track mileage logs with dates and locations (the IRS updates mileage rates annually)
Confirm the organization is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit
Even if these items seem minor, they can add up over time and reduce your taxable income. Don’t leave money on the table track the small stuff throughout the year.
Self Employed Retirement Contributions
If you’re freelancing, consulting, or juggling a side gig, you’ve got access to some powerful retirement tools that regular employees don’t. SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and Solo 401(k)s are designed with self starters in mind and they come with serious tax advantages. You can deduct contributions, which lowers your taxable income right now, while also setting aside cash for the future.
A SEP IRA lets you stash away up to 25% of your net earnings, with generous caps that eclipse the limits on traditional IRAs. A Solo 401(k) gives even more flexibility, including the ability to contribute both as employer and employee if you’re running a one person operation.
Bottom line: these accounts can reduce your tax bill while helping you build long term security. If you’re earning non W2 income and not using them, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
