Tax Deduction Checklist

Many people miss deductions they were entitled to simply because they never knew to look for them. This checklist helps you work through the possibilities before you file, using United States tax categories.

One section covers self-employed and freelance deductions, including home office, vehicle, professional services, software, marketing, equipment, education, insurance and retirement. Another covers deductions for employees, including above-the-line and itemised deductions, with a worksheet for comparing the standard deduction and itemising. A third looks at life events, such as education, family, home ownership, medical costs and retirement savings. A document tracker lists the papers to gather.

A filled-in example for a self-employed graphic designer shows how it works. It is an organising aid, not tax advice; confirm anything you claim with a qualified tax professional.