4 Overlooked Tax Breaks for Retirees
Learn how to keep your tax bill low in retirement.
Being alert to the changes that come at various life stages is key to holding down your tax bill. Use these deductions to save at tax time.
1. Deduct Medicare Premiums
If you become self-employed after you leave your job, you can deduct the premiums you pay for Medicare Part B and Part D, plus the cost of medigap policies or the cost of a Medicare Advantage plan.
2. Spousal IRA Contribution
If you’re married and your spouse is still working, he or she can contribute up to $6,500 a year to an IRA that you own.
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.
3. Give Your Money Away
If the estate tax might be in your future, take advantage of the annual gift-tax exclusion to give up to $14,000 annually to any number of people.
4. Bigger Standard Deduction
The extra money will make it more likely you’ll take the standard deduction rather than itemizing. If you do, the additional amount will save you almost $400 if you’re in the 25% bracket.
Check out even more overlooked tax breaks for retirees.
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
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.
-
Best 529 Plans of 2024
Check out the best 529 plans of 2024 and find the best plan for your child or grandchild’s college savings.
By Erin Bendig Published
-
Harris vs Trump on Medicare Drug Price Negotiations: Fact Check
A fact check of what the Trump and Biden-Harris administrations did around Medicare drug price negotiations.
By Jacob Gardenswartz | KFF Health News Published
-
IRS Sued for Millions Over Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Delays
Tax Credits The pandemic-era tax refunds for businesses have been a contention point for the agency, now employers are fighting for their cash.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Election 2024 Childcare Debate: Harris-Walz vs. Trump-Vance Plans
Election As Election Day approaches, the Republican and Democratic tickets present different ideas for childcare and family tax credits. Here's what to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Does Kansas Tax Social Security Benefits?
Social Security The Sunflower State’s new tax package will have a widespread impact on retirees and young families. Here’s what you can expect.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Will EVs Drive the Vote in Election 2024 Swing States?
Tax Credits Electric vehicle tax credits have somehow become controversial. So car buyer attitudes in swing states might make a difference.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Only Five States Offer No Sales Tax
State Tax Is your state’s ban on sales tax actually saving you money? Probably not as much as you might think.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Colorado’s New Property Tax Reform Could Save You Hundreds
Property Tax The Centennial State just signed a new property tax bill into law. Here’s what you need to know.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Six New Tax Credits in Harris' Economic Plan: What to Know
Election 2024 Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris has proposed several tax breaks.
By Kelley R. Taylor Last updated
-
New York Sending School Tax Relief (STAR) Checks
Tax Relief Are you receiving a NY STAR credit or exemption for your property taxes?
By Kate Schubel Published