Top Things You Should Know to Claim on Taxes

Tax season is right around the corner. Before you know it, you will be gathering up all your paperwork, collecting receipts and filing your taxes. It is important that you prepare to file your taxes every year. Here are the top things you should know to claim on your taxes.

• If you file the long form, you can claim items such as work uniforms, mileage and educational expenses.




• You can claim charitable contributions including monetary donations, clothing donations and volunteer time.




• You can claim yourself as well as any other dependents that live in your household.




• You cannot claim a child just because you pay child support or a spouse just because you pay alimony. Determining which caregiver claims the child/children on taxes is usually part of the divorce agreement.




• A percentage of your medical expenses can be claimed on your taxes. Be sure to keep receipts for doctor’s visits, medications and hospitalizations.




• To claim a dependent, he/she must have lived with you at least six months of the year and you must pay for at least 50% of his/her expenses.




• Any lottery or gambling winnings, in excess of $600 in a single payment, should be claimed on your taxes.




• Any person claimed as a dependent must be born on or before December 31st.




• People over the age of 18 are legally allowed to claim themselves; however, they may be claimed on a parent/guardian’s return if they are between the ages of 19 and 24 and enrolled in college.