As Tax Day in the U.S. approaches this year, many Americans are wondering how you can lower your tax bill on April 18. Well, there are a lot of legal and very fast ways to reduce the amount of taxes one owes in 2022.

Remember This About Your IRA

Roth IRA is the goldmine when it comes to taxes. For example, in 2021, any American could contribute up to $6,000 for the tax year. Those older than 50 could invest even more – up to $7,000. Of course, there are vast rules on IRA contributions, but they are all tax-deductible. “Depending on your income level and access to retirement plans your contribution may be tax-deductible or in the case of a Roth IRA, be tax-free in retirement if you follow the rules,” says Patricia Stallworth, CFP, CEO PS Worth. “In either case, you win because it increases your retirement nest egg.”

Deductions For Business Owners

Hurray, business owners! You can take a look at the different costs and make several deductions – simply gather them all in one year. There are a few simple strategies to lower your tax bill. First of all, business owners can make all big business-related purchases at the end of the year. Secondly, they should bunch their regular spending in one – if several supply purchases are happening every month, consider buying them in bulk. Instead of spending $3,000 a month, buy $9,000 worth of supplies at the end of the year. Then, the owner will get a deduction in the current tax year just for business expenses.

The $300 Tax Deduction

Don’t forget about the usual $300 tax deduction, either. It’s not a lot but a dollar saved is two dollars earned! “If you use the standard deduction — which over 90% of us do — you can deduct up to $300 in cash donations … due to the CARES Act,” according to Betty Wang, CFP. “If you are married filing jointly, you can take a deduction of up to $600.” Cash contributions should be made by check, credit card, or debit card, the IRS states. On the other hand, they are not a part of any volunteer services or donations of securities.

Other Important Checkmarks to Put

Apart from the three main techniques, there are other secrets to lowering your tax bill. The main goal is to search for any of the things the government lets Americans deduct from their income. One of them is for charity – even the bulk of clothes donated to thrift shops can be deducted from taxes. Moreover, the interest on the mortgage from the primary residence is deductible, although it’s a trick not many American residents know. Freelancers or any other self-employed people should look out for “ordinary and necessary” business expenses. That list can include anything from hiring a copywriter and designer for your website to buying paint for the walls in the office. The same goes out for the student loans interest. Any interest of that kind is deductible up to $2,500.

“The simplest tax mistake is not taking the deductions to which you’re entitled,” says Gary Schatsky, a financial adviser and CPA at objectiveadvice.com. “Merely remembering deductions and taking them may be the easiest paycheck you ever earn.”

Sources: Aol, Men’s Journal, TurboTax