Tax credits are powerful tools that reduce the amount of tax you owe. They are categorized into two main types: Refundable Credits and Non-Refundable Credits. Understanding the difference can help you maximize your tax savings.
Refundable credits are unique because they allow taxpayers to receive a refund even if their tax liability is reduced to zero. For instance, credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the partially refundable Child Tax Credit, and the American Opportunity Credit (partially refundable) can result in additional funds in your pocket. This makes refundable credits particularly beneficial for individuals and families with low income or little tax liability. For example, if your tax due is zero after applying other credits, the remaining balance of a refundable credit will still be issued to you as a refund.
Non-refundable credits can only reduce your tax liability to $0, and any excess amount cannot be refunded. Examples include the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Mortgage Interest Credit, and Lifetime Learning Credit. These credits are limited to the amount of tax owed and often cannot be carried over to future years. For example, if your tax due is $500 and your non-refundable credit is $600, only $500 will be applied, and the remaining $100 will not be refunded.
If you have any questions or need help understanding which tax credits you qualify for, contact us today to explore the best tax solutions for your needs!
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.