Question

describe the general types of deductions that are allowed by the federal tax code. What is the difference between deductible for adjusted gross income versus deductible from adjusted gross income. Why is this important?

Answer 1

Tax Deductions that are allowed by the Federal taxation are of these below types:

• The Standard Deductions,
• The Itemmized Deductions

Standard Deductions

The standard deduction is a dollar amount that reduces your taxable income. It is usually adjusted for inflation every year. The standard deduction amount is based on the filing status and it is subtracted from AGI (adjusted gross income). It ensure that all taxpayers have at least some income that is not subject to federal income tax.

The federal income tax system increases the standard deduction for taxpayers who are age 65 or older, blind, or both. Some taxpayers cannot take the federal standard deduction. If a person is married but file taxes separately and his/ her spouse itemizes deductions on his/her return then the person can't claim the standard deduction. He/ She also can't claim it if the person (or spouse, if filing jointly) were a non-resident alien at any time during the tax year.

Itemized Deduction:

If the person do not qualify for the standard deduction, he/she may choose to itemize your tax deductions. A taxpayer will also typically itemize deductions if it offers them more benefits than the standard deduction (i.e., when the total amount of qualified deductible expenses is greater than the standard deduction).

Certain itemized deductions are based on a minimum amount. This means that you can only deduct amounts that exceed the specified amount.

Note: You have the option of claiming the standard deduction or itemizing your deductions. However, you can never claim both in the same year.

Difference between deductible for adjusted gross income versus deductible from adjusted gross income:

1. Deductible for adjusted gross income are basically above-the-line tax deductions that are taken before AGI is calculated.  

Deductible from adjusted gross income are below - the line deductions that are any deduction that's reported on a line that comes after the AGI calculation on a return is a below-the-line deduction.

2. Deductible for adjusted gross income are important in helping you reduce your adjusted gross income which is the key to reducing your tax liability. AGI has already been determined when you utilize Deductible from adjusted gross income. Deductions from AGI reduce the? taxpayer's gross income by the full amount of the deduction even if the standard deduction is used.

3. Examples of Deductible for adjusted gross income are Sch C or F business deductions, rental deductions, stocl losses, moving expenses, student loan interests paid.

Deductible from adjusted gross income examples could be Chariatble donations, medical expenses, interest expenses.

The purpose of tax deductions is to decrease your taxable income, thus decreasing the amount of tax you owe to the federal government.