Can You Tell If These Tax Deductions Are Legit?
Not all write-offs pass muster with the IRS.

Take a look at these frequently asked tax questions from our readers. See if you can separate the legitimate deductions from the ones that would trigger a "no" from the IRS.
1. You accept a new job that requires you to move. Can you write off moving costs even if you don't itemize?
TRUE: But, to qualify, your new workplace has to be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job was.

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.
2. You are volunteering as a carpenter to a non-profit community home-builder. Nice tax deduction, right?
FALSE: There is no deduction for the value of your time or labor donated to a charity.
3. Your children attend private elementary and high schools. Is their tuition tax-deductible?
NO: You can't deduct the cost of elementary or secondary school tuition. But Coverdell Educational Savings Accounts offer a tax break to help.
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.

-
The Best FSA or HSA-Eligible Amazon Prime Day Deals You Can Shop Now
Double down on savings by taking advantage of these early Prime Day deals that are FSA or HSA eligible. Save on fitness trackers, air purifiers, baby gear and more.
-
Stock Market Today: It's 'All Sectors Go' Ahead of Independence Day
The resilience trade continues to work, even for sectors and stocks with specific uncertainties.
-
Elon Musk and Most Taxpayers Don't Like What's in Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Tax Policy President Trump is betting big on his newest tax cuts being passed by July 4. But not everyone is on board.
-
2025 SALT Cap Could Hurt Top 'Hidden Home Cost'
Tax Deductions The GOP tax bill could make hidden homeowner costs worse for you. Here’s how.
-
No Social Security Tax Changes in Trump’s 'Big Bill'? What Retirees Need to Know
Tax Policy Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits is missing from President Trump’s tax overhaul. Here’s why and what an alternative offering could mean for retirement taxes.
-
Five Surprising GOP Senate Bill Tax Changes to Know
Tax Policy Senate Republicans proposed tax changes for Trump’s ‘one big, beautiful bill.” Some provisions have stirred debate.
-
$6,000 'Bonus' Tax Deduction Approved for Those Age 65 and Older
Tax Reform Under Trump’s ‘big bill,’ the U.S. Senate proposed a larger bonus tax deduction for older adults than the House. Will it be enacted?
-
Don't Miss These Four Tax Breaks for Americans Living Abroad in 2025
International Tax U.S. expats can reduce their tax burden by taking advantage of a handful of tax credits and deductions.
-
Summer Backyard Ideas With Added Tax Benefits for 2025
Tax Tips Find out how these summer 2025 home projects can help you save on taxes next year.
-
Why Your California Utility Bill Could Increase Under Trump's Tax Plan
State Tax Energy bills in the Golden State may shock you if Republican lawmakers in Congress remove certain energy tax credits through Trump's 'big, beautiful bill.'