BEAUMONT, Texas — Tax season is here, and this year there has been increases to tax credits and deductions along with new free ways to file taxes online.
Tax experts with over 20 years of experience say that it is important to claim all of your necessary tax deductions.
Shanise and Alonzo Turner are a married Beaumont couple preparing to file their 2023 taxes jointly.
Last year the couple bought a new home.
They've been going to Jerica Tax Services and Associates in Beaumont for 8 years. There, tax experts have taught them a lot about what can be a difficult topic to understand.
"So you know there's some mortgage insurance credit you can claim," Jerica Landry tells Shanice as they gather at the table. "The deductions, it helps you save money, put money to the side. Have your home expenses like furniture, equipment for the house. The deductions really help."
This year there are some new tax credits to keep in mind.
For instance, the residential clean energy credit for those who made eco-friendly upgrades to their home, like adding solar panels.
"That's the new law with the residential credit, they don't have to be owning their home to use that credit," said Landry.
One credit no longer available is the employee retention credit which gave money back to small businesses impacted by the pandemic.
"Due to so many people it was fraud with different people claiming that credit, so it's at a standstill at the moment," Landry said.
Whether you work a 9 to 5 or you have multiple side hustles to provide for your kids, caregivers can get at least $1,600 in child tax credits per kid under 18.
These are just a fraction of the ways to break even with the IRS or get a tax return.
The deadline to file your taxes is on Monday, April 15th.
You can seek out a tax professional or file your own taxes online with the IRS's newest direct file pilot program.