Tax Credits vs. Deductions: What's the Difference?
Learn which tax breaks save you the most money and how to claim them.
The Key Difference
Tax Deduction
Reduces your taxable income. Saves you money based on your tax bracket.
Example: $1,000 deduction in the 22% bracket = $220 savings
Tax Credit
Reduces your actual tax liability dollar-for-dollar.
Example: $1,000 credit = $1,000 savings (regardless of bracket)
Bottom line: Tax credits are almost always more valuable than deductions of the same amount.
Live Comparison Example
Assume you have $50,000 taxable income and are in the 22% tax bracket:
Scenario 1: $2,000 Deduction
Taxable income: $50,000 - $2,000 = $48,000
Tax savings: $2,000 × 22% = $440
Scenario 2: $2,000 Tax Credit
Taxable income: $50,000 (unchanged)
Tax savings: $2,000 (full amount)
In this case, the credit saves you 4.5x more than the deduction!
Common Tax Credits You Can Claim
Child Tax Credit
Up to $2,000 per child under 17. One of the largest available credits.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Up to $3,733 for low-income workers. Even partially refundable!
American Opportunity Credit
Up to $2,500 for qualified education expenses. 40% is refundable.
Lifetime Learning Credit
Up to $2,000 for ongoing education expenses.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
Up to $1,050 for childcare expenses enabling you to work.
Common Tax Deductions
- 🏠 Standard Deduction: $14,600 (single) or $29,200 (married) for 2026
- 📚 Student Loan Interest: Up to $2,500
- 🎓 Qualified Education Expenses: Via Section 529 plans
- 🏥 Medical Expenses: Exceeding 7.5% of AGI (only if itemizing)
- 💝 Charitable Donations: If itemizing deductions
- 🏠 Mortgage Interest: If itemizing deductions
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Credits
Refundable Credit
If the credit exceeds your tax liability, the difference is refunded to you. Example: EITC, Additional Child Tax Credit.
Non-Refundable Credit
Only reduces your tax liability to zero. You can't get a refund if it's larger than your taxes owed. Example: Lifetime Learning Credit.
Strategy: Maximize Your Tax Savings
- Claim all credits first: They provide the most direct savings
- Then itemize or take standard deduction: Choose whichever saves more
- Check income limits: Many credits phase out at higher income levels
- Keep documentation: Credits require substantiation
Calculate Your Credits and Deductions
Use our deduction estimator to see itemized vs. standard deductions, or consult our guides on specific credits.
Estimate Deductions