Itemized Deductions vs. Above-the-Line Deductions

You probably know that claiming income tax deductions reduces your taxable income. But did you know that not all deductions are created equal?

Maybe you’ve heard the term “above the line” thrown around in tax conversations. Above-the-line deductions are actually adjustments to your taxable income — they are subtracted from your income before your adjusted gross income (AGI) is calculated for tax purposes.

However, the number of above-the-line deductions you take directly affects the amount and type of “below-the-line” deductions for which you’re eligible. Below-the-line deductions, more commonly known as itemized deductions, include any deduction reported beneath the line for AGI calculation on your tax return.

While both deductions ultimately reduce your taxable income, some can have a more favorable impact on your tax bill than others. In most cases, above-the-line deductions are the better choice. Here’s why.

1. You can take above-the-line deductions even if you don’t itemize

The best part of above-the-line deductions? You can claim them even if you take the standard deduction, a fixed amount based on your tax filing status with the IRS. For tax year 2022, the standard deduction numbers are:

• $12,950 for single filers and married filing separately
• $19,400 for head of household filers
• $25,900 for married couples filing jointly or qualifying surviving spouse (previously qualifying widow/widower)

Each tax season, you have the choice to itemize your deductions or take the standard deduction. Typically, you’d want to choose whichever amount is higher, which tends to be the standard deduction for most taxpayers.

You can claim above-the-line deductions on page two of Schedule 1.

2. Above-the-line deductions reduce your AGI

Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is the amount listed on the bottom line of page one of your income tax return. It includes your total income, including wages, business and rental income, capital gains, unemployment income, and so on. It also factors in any itemized deductions you listed on your Form W-4.

Since above-the-line deductions are adjustments to your income, they can also refer to business deductions and losses. For example, a business expense reduces your net business income, reducing your total income.

What’s so special about my AGI?

Quite a lot! Your adjusted gross income is used for many calculations on your tax return.

For example, you can only deduct medical expenses as itemized deductions to the extent they exceed 7.5 percent of your AGI.

Every dollar that reduces your AGI reduces your taxable income, but it may also help you qualify for other deductions. Various credits are limited by your AGI as well. In some cases, an adjustment may help you qualify for a tax credit or other tax benefits that you would not receive otherwise.

Above-the-line adjustments to claim on your 2021 return

Wondering what above-the-line deductions you might qualify for this year? Check out our list of common deductions you may qualify to claim:

Self-employment deductions

• Health insurance deduction
• The deductible portion of self-employment taxes (generally 50 percent of the tax)
• Contributions to self-employed retirement plans such as SEP, SIMPLE IRA Plans, and qualified plans

Education deductions

• Student loan interest paid on a qualified student loan for yourself, your spouse, or your dependent
• Educator expenses (i.e., school supplies purchased by a teacher for their classroom)
• Tuition and fees deduction

Travel deductions

• Moving expenses for members of the Armed Forces

Other possible deductions:

• Health Savings Account (HSA) deductions
• Alimony paid (but not child support or settlement)
• Any penalties paid on early withdrawal from a savings account before it matures
• Write-in adjustments, such as the Archer MSA deduction or jury duty pay you turned over to your employer because your employer paid your salary while you served

To itemize or not to itemize?

Most deductions fit neatly into above-the-line or itemized deductions, and you don’t have to worry about where to deduct them.

But sometimes, you do get to choose where to deduct an expense—either as an above-the-line deduction or an itemized deduction. So which type is better?

Let’s look at an example:

You can deduct the real estate tax paid on your home as an itemized deduction. However, if you’re a small business owner, you may qualify to deduct a portion of your real estate tax as a business expense.

In most cases, you’re better off taking an expense as a business deduction whenever possible. Not only is it an above-the-line deduction, but it may also reduce the amount of self-employment tax you pay.

Another example is self-employed health insurance. As discussed above, these health insurance premiums can be deducted as an above-the-line deduction or as an itemized deduction.

However, if you choose to itemize, you must reduce your total medical expenses (including insurance premiums) by 7.5 percent of your AGI. You must do this before you include medical expenses with your itemized deductions.

For this reason, you’ll benefit more by taking the self-employed health insurance deduction as an above-the-line income adjustment if you qualify.