9 Commonly Tax Credits to Increase Your Refund

While tax deductions reduce your adjusted gross income, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in your overall tax liability. A tax credit is basically the government giving you free money for a specific reason. There are dozens of different credits, and determining which you qualify can be confusing. Below is a list of 9 common tax credits that might increase you tax refund next year.

1. Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit is the largest poverty reduction program in the United States. It is a refundable tax credit that reduces or eliminates taxes paid by low-income working taxpayers. The size of the credit is based of how much earned income the taxpayer has accumulated over the year. In 2001, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act increased the amount of income a married couple filing a joint return may earn without losing the EIC. For tax years after 2007, the credit was $3,000. If you want to file for the earned income credit, you must submit Schedule EIC with your return.

2. Lifetime Learning Credit

The Lifetime Learning Credit is a nonrefundable education credit of up to $2,000 per tax return. It is available for an unlimited number of years during which you are receiving post-secondary education or any classes taken to improve job skills.

3. Saver's tax credit

Because of a 2001 law change, lower-income workers can take the saver's tax credit for contributing to qualified retirement plans. This credit provides an extra incentive to fund retirement plans for people who are likely to rely on social security when they retire. If you are single, the credit phases out when your adjusted gross income reaches $26,500. If you are married filing jointly, the credit phases out when your adjusted gross income reaches $53,000. And if you file as the head of household, the credit phases out when your adjusted gross income reaches $39,750. The amount of the credit can be as much as $1,000 depending on your filing status.

4. Environmental Credits

The federal government is making a great effort to encourage you to use energy efficient vehicles and appliances in you home. There are dozens of credits available for environmentally friendly purchases including hybrid vehicle, energy efficient windows, solar panels and many more. The exact credits vary depending on your purchase, so always check with a tax preparer or CPA to ensure you get the most from your green purchase.

5. Child and Dependent Care Credit

If pay someone to care for a child under age 13 or a qualifying spouse or dependent so you could work, or look for work, then you may be able to claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit. To qualify, spouses, children over the age of 13, and other dependents must be physically or mentally incapable of self-care. The credit is a percentage of child and dependent care expenses paid to a care provider, with a maximum of 35 percent of qualifying expenses.

6. Child Tax Credit

The Child Tax Credit is a refundable federal tax credit for families with a qualifying child and have income below specific levels. The per-child credit amount started at $400 in 1998, but has since risen to $1000 for tax years through 2010. However, this amount is set to lower only $500 per-child in 2011.

7. Additional Child Tax Credit

The Additional Child Credit allows taxpayers who’s Child Tax Credit is greater than the amount of income tax owed to claim some or all of the difference as an "additional" Child Tax Credit. The additional Child Tax Credit may give a taxpayer a refund even when they do not owe any tax.

8. Hope Credit

The hope credit is a nonrefundable education tax credit of up to $1,500 for each eligible student. The credit is only available for the first two years of post-secondary education per student. In order to be eligible, the student needs to be pursuing a degree or other recognized educational credential and must be enrolled half time or more for at least one academic period beginning each year. The credit can be claimed if you are putting yourself, your spouse, or a qualifying dependent through college or higher education.

9. Adoption Tax Credit

If you are planning to adopt a child in the future, then be sure to claim an adoption credits. The amount of this credit can range up to $10,000. The eligibility rules are very complex so make sure to sit down with a qualified tax preparer or CPA before claiming the credit. However, your total income must be under – roughly – $160,00 if you want to claim the credit.