Tax Credit vs. Deduction
If you have to choose one or the other, take the credit -- it's worth more.

I could never figure out the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction. I would appreciate some clarification on this subject. Thanks.
Good question -- especially this time of year. A tax credit lowers your tax bill dollar for dollar. A deduction shaves money off your taxable income, so the value depends on your tax bracket. If you're in the 25% bracket, a $1,000 deduction lowers your tax bill by $250. But a $1,000 credit lowers the bill by the full $1,000, no matter in which bracket you are.
This difference becomes important, for example, if you pay college tuition and you're choosing between taking the Hope tax credit or the tuition deduction. The Hope credit can lower your tax bill by up to $1,650 per child in the first two years of college (the Lifetime Learning credit can reduce your taxes by up to $2,000 after that). To qualify for those tax credits for 2006, though, your income must be less than $110,000 if married filing jointly, or $55,000 for single filers.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
If you can't qualify for this credit, you still may be able to take the tuition deduction, which lets you deduct up to $4,000 in qualified college expenses you paid during the year. If you are in the 25% tax bracket, then this deduction can lower your tax bill by $1,000.
If you qualify for either the Hope credit or the tuition deduction, the Hope credit is more valuable (you can't take both tax breaks in the same year). But if you earn too much to take the Hope, then the tuition deduction can still shave some money off your tax bill. To qualify for the full $4,000 deduction, your adjusted gross income must be $130,000 or less in 2006 if married filing jointly ($65,000 or less if single). You can deduct up to $2,000 in tuition and fees if your joint income was $160,000 or less ($80,000 or less if single). There is no deduction if you earn more than that. You don't need to itemize to qualify.
See Don't Miss the Tuition Deduction for special rules about how to claim the tuition deduction for your 2006 taxes because the tax law was renewed so late in the year that it wasn't included on the tax forms.
For more information about the rules for both tax breaks for paying college tuition, see IRS Publication 970 Tax Benefits for Education.
For more help with your taxes, visit the Kiplinger Tax Center.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

As the "Ask Kim" columnist for Kiplinger's Personal Finance, Lankford receives hundreds of personal finance questions from readers every month. She is the author of Rescue Your Financial Life (McGraw-Hill, 2003), The Insurance Maze: How You Can Save Money on Insurance -- and Still Get the Coverage You Need (Kaplan, 2006), Kiplinger's Ask Kim for Money Smart Solutions (Kaplan, 2007) and The Kiplinger/BBB Personal Finance Guide for Military Families. She is frequently featured as a financial expert on television and radio, including NBC's Today Show, CNN, CNBC and National Public Radio.
-
Higher Social Security Payments? The CPI-E Could Make it Happen
Some lawmakers have called for it to be used to determine COLA for Social Security payments, but would it make much of a difference?
-
Stocks Close Mixed to Start Fed Week: Stock Market Today
News of an EU-U.S. trade deal was met with muted reaction from market participants who are looking ahead to a jam-packed week.
-
Ask the Editor, July 25: Questions on Four New Tax Deductions
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on four new tax deductions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill."
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)
Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund next year, a smaller one, or something in between. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.
-
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ Pockets
Tax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.
-
Money for Your Kids? Three Ways Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Your Child's Finances
Tax Tips The Trump tax bill could help your child with future education and homebuying costs. Here’s how.
-
New Cap on Gambling Loss Deductions Begins Soon: What to Know Now
Tax Changes A gambling losses tax deduction cap in Trump’s “big beautiful bill” is causing an uproar. Here’s what you need to know.
-
Ask the Editor, July 18: Questions on the $6,000 Senior Deduction
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the new $6,000 deduction for taxpayers 65 and older.
-
Key 2025 Tax Changes for Parents in Trump's Megabill
Tax Changes Are you a parent? The so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ (OBBB) impacts several key tax incentives that can affect your family this year and beyond.
-
Ask the Editor, July 17: Tax Questions on the New Tax Law
Ask the Editor In this week's Ask the Editor Q&A, we answer tax questions from readers on the new tax law.