{"id":4267,"date":"2026-04-17T04:56:36","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T09:56:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?p=4267"},"modified":"2026-05-08T11:14:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T16:14:03","slug":"5-common-tax-deductions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/adjustments-and-deductions\/5-common-tax-deductions\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t overlook these common tax deductions in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

One of the ways to reduce your liability this tax year is to decrease your taxable income. And the best way to do this is by taking advantage of tax deductions. There are some common tax deductions you can take \u201cabove the line\u201d that reduce your Adjusted Gross Income<\/a> on your tax return. Others will be considered \u201cbelow the line\u201d and they will reduce your taxable income.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wondering what might apply to you? Check out our list of common and valuable tax breaks<\/a> below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, did you know? <\/strong>1 in 5 eligible taxpayers miss out on an average $2,700 credit.  Don\u2019t miss out.  Get a free Second Look<\/a> at H&R B lock and uncover money that\u2019s yours, even from last year.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a tax deduction and how does it reduce my taxable income?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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A tax deduction reduces the amount of income subject to taxation from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ultimately reducing your overall tax liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of tax deductions: above-the-line deductions and below-the-line deductions. We\u2019ll give you a brief description of both as we dive in and later, a side-by-side comparison.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another important concept to consider when reviewing deductions for taxes is that tax deductions are different than tax credits. Tax deductions lower your taxable income (indirectly lowering the tax owed) and tax credits lower your actual tax owed dollar for dollar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check out the difference between  tax credits and tax deductions<\/a> for details. And, in case you\u2019re wondering, “tax write offs” are another way to say tax deductions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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