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Lowering your tax burden is one of the smartest money moves you can make, and knowing how to do so is crucial to financial success, whether it's tax season or not.
The good news is that there are lots of deductions available from the IRS. There is, of course, the standard deduction of $16,100 for individuals and $32,200 for married couples filing jointly in 2026, which is usually good enough for most people.
You may be aware of deductions for things like mortgage interest and charitable contributions. Still, there are other deductions taxpayers can take advantage of, called "above-the-line" deductions, that won't require you to itemize. Here are 13 of them.
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Alimony payments
Alimony is a touchy subject, but there is a tax plan for it. If the divorce or separation agreement was finalized before December 31, 2018, it can be deducted.
It doesn't apply to agreements made after 2018, or to agreements from 2018 or earlier that were subsequently amended to make the payment non-deductible or taxable to the recipient.
Look for it on Schedule 1, Line 19, and attach it to Form 1040.
Contributions to a retirement account if you're self-employed
This one is a bit of work, but it pays off. If you're self-employed, you can deduct your contributions to a SEP-IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or qualified plan. Check for it on Schedule 1, Line 16.
Whether or not your contributions to a traditional IRA are tax-deductible depends on your modified adjusted gross income and other retirement coverage.
Early withdrawal penalty from savings
If you took money out early from a Certificate of Deposit (CD) or a similar savings account, you can actually deduct the penalty you've incurred.
Complete Form 1040, attach Schedule 1, and add the amount to Line 17 or 18 under Adjustments to Income.
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Expenses for educators
Teachers can catch a break with this deduction.
Educators, including counselors and principals, can deduct up to $300 in unreimbursed expenses on their tax filing. It's twice that if they're married to another educator.
You must have worked at least 900 hours at a qualifying elementary or secondary school. Put it on your Schedule 1 Form 1040.
Health Savings Account contributions
Contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) is a savvy move if you're enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.
Your after-tax contributions are deductible, which helps reduce your tax bill, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Report your contributions on Schedule 1, Line 13, and include Form 8889 with your return.
IRA contributions
IRA deductions will depend on your income and whether or not you're part of a retirement plan at your job. So, there are some caveats.
The IRS's "phase out" for the deduction has different tiers. If you're single and covered, it's between $81,000 and $91,000 for 2026. If you're married and covered, the amount is between $129,000 and $149,000.
If you're not covered but are married to someone who is, the coverage is between $242,000 and $252,000. Look for this one on Schedule 1, Line 20.
Moving expenses for active-duty service members
Uncle Sam has a deduction just for the troops.
Active-duty military members can claim a deduction for qualified moving expenses if not reimbursed by the government.
Eligible moves include the initial relocation to the first post, transfers between permanent posts, or the final move to the home. Covered expenses include household items, lodging, personal effects, storage, and travel, excluding meals.
Self-employed health coverage
If you're self-employed, you can potentially deduct premiums paid for health, dental, and qualifying long-term care insurance coverage for yourself, your spouse, and dependents.
This adjustment to income is claimed on Schedule 1, Line 17, and attached to your Form 1040. The deduction extends to cover your child under 27 years of age, regardless of dependency status.
Some business expenses
Broadly speaking, business deductions require you to itemize, but there are a few exceptions.
Performing artists, armed forces reservists, and certain government officials ("fee-basis government officials") can include business expenses directly on their income tax returns. Keep in mind that you might have to meet income qualifications to claim these expenses.
To claim them, file Form 2106 and attach it to your Form 1040. This one might be a job for a tax professional.
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Qualified tips
New this year is the ability to deduct up to $25,000 in tips. Service workers can claim the deduction from 2025 to 2028.
Again, eligibility phases out if your modified adjusted gross income is over a specific threshold.
New car loan interest
People who purchased a new vehicle between 2025 and 2025, can deduct up to $10,000 in paid interest, so long as they are under the income threshold.
Student loan interest
You can get a tax break if you've paid up to $2,500 in student loan interest, but be mindful of income restrictions.
For single filers, the deduction is a no-go if you have an income over $85,000; for married couples filing jointly, it's $175,000.
This tax break can be claimed on Schedule 1, Line 21. And it doesn't matter who the loan was for.
Your self-employment tax
Self-employment taxes may come as a bit of a surprise, but everyone is required to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes, also known as FICA. It comes to 15.3% of net self-employment income (12.4% for Social Security and 2.9% for Medicare).
Fortunately, you can deduct half of this tax to keep more cash in your wallet.
Bottom line
Making the most of the IRS's deductions doesn't always mean you have to itemize. These "above-the-line" deductions provide additional benefits without requiring extra work.
If you keep enough money in your pocket and not the federal government's, you might be able to retire early.
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