Maximize Your Tax Refund: Common Deductions & Credits You May Be Missing | Texas Tax Heroes™

Maximizing Tax Refunds: Deductions & Credits You Might Be Missing

At Texas Tax Heroes™, we’re committed to helping our clients keep more of their hard-earned money. One of the most effective ways to do that is by ensuring you claim every deduction and credit you're eligible for. Even a few overlooked items can significantly impact your refund—or reduce how much you owe.

Below are key tax deductions and credits that are often missed, along with IRS resources to help you learn more.


💰 1. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Who qualifies: Low-to-moderate income earners, especially those with children.

The EITC can be worth up to $7,430 for families with three or more children. Even if you had no tax withheld, you could still receive a refund through this credit.

🔗 IRS EITC Information


🧒 2. Child Tax Credit (CTC)

Who qualifies: Parents or guardians of qualifying children under 17.

The Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per child, with up to $1,600 potentially refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

🔗 IRS Child Tax Credit Info


🎓 3. Education Credits: American Opportunity & Lifetime Learning

Who qualifies: Students and parents paying for higher education expenses.

  • American Opportunity Credit: Up to $2,500 per eligible student (first four years of college).

  • Lifetime Learning Credit: Up to $2,000 per return (no limit on years of education).

🔗 Education Credits at IRS.gov


🏥 4. Medical Expense Deduction

Who qualifies: Individuals with high out-of-pocket medical costs.

If your medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI), you may deduct the excess amount.

🔗 Deducting Medical and Dental Expenses


💼 5. Self-Employment Deductions

Who qualifies: Freelancers, gig workers, and business owners.

You can deduct expenses such as:

  • Home office use

  • Business mileage

  • Health insurance premiums

  • Retirement contributions

🔗 Self-Employed Tax Center


🏡 6. Energy-Efficient Home Improvements

Who qualifies: Homeowners who upgraded their homes with qualifying energy-efficient products (like solar panels or energy-efficient windows).

These credits were expanded under the Inflation Reduction Act and can be claimed annually.

🔗 Home Energy Tax Credits


✅ Pro Tip: Keep Great Records

You don’t need to be an accountant to save on taxes—but you do need receipts, logs, or statements to back up your claims in case of an IRS audit. If you’re not sure what to keep, ask us!


📞 Need Help Maximizing Your Refund?

Let the experts at Texas Tax Heroes™ review your past and current returns to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. Book a consultation at www.texastaxheroes.com or call 832-613-0619.

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