Tax News Tax Extender Update: TurboTax Has the Facts Read the Article Open Share Drawer Share this:Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)Click to print (Opens in new window) Written by TurboTaxLisa Published Oct 8, 2014 - [Updated Mar 7, 2025] 3 min read It’s that time of the year again when the weather cools down, leaves begin to fall, and we head into the final stretch of the year. Another typical occurrence this time of the year is Congress determining whether recently expired or expiring tax breaks called tax extenders, will be temporarily extended or passed. A number of temporary tax breaks or extenders that may impact individuals and businesses expired at midnight on December 31, 2013, so Congress is expected to vote before the end of this year on whether these tax extenders or breaks will be extended or reinstated. All this is nothing new for TurboTax, and don’t worry, this year will not be a nail biter like tax year 2012 when there was talk of falling off the “Fiscal Cliff.” There really isn’t a “cliff” this year since Congress already permanently passed the Alternative Minimum Tax and the potential tax extenders are expected to be either temporarily extended or permanently passed, helping to keep more money in your pocket come tax time. To help keep you informed, here is a short list of some of the tax extenders that are on the table for passage: The Educator Expense Deduction– If you are a teacher, this tax law allows you to claim up to $250 of classroom expenses for supplies, materials, books and software. Tuition and Fees Deduction – College students or parents may be able to deduct education expenses related to schooling, including tuition, books and other supplies, up to $4,000 under this law. Energy Tax Breaks – Homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their homes that meet certain Energy Star guidelines are able to claim the Non-Business Energy Property Credit under this law. This credit could mean as much as $500. State and Local Sales Tax Deduction – Under this law, you have the option to choose between deducting state and local income tax or state and local sales tax. This is especially beneficial for people that live in a state like Florida or Texas that doesn’t collect state income tax or if you made large purchases and paid substantial local sales tax. Mortgage Debt Relief – If extended, amounts forgiven or discharged when your principal residence is foreclosed on, sold in a short sale, or your loan is modified will not be included in your income. So when will we know what has passed for sure? No one knows the specific date. It is expected to be after the mid-term elections in November, but no matter when and how the tax extenders are passed, TurboTax will be up to date with the latest tax laws and ready for taxpayers within a matter of days of changes to the tax code. Check back with the TurboTax blog soon to find out the latest update regarding passage of the tax extenders. And if you have questions, TurboTax tax experts are here for you year-round to answer your tax questions, helping you understand what these tax laws may mean to you and your family. Previous Post The History of the 4th of July and Taxes Next Post IRS Update: Tax Guidance Related to Ebola Outbreak Written by Lisa Greene-Lewis Lisa has over 20 years of experience in tax preparation. Her success is attributed to being able to interpret tax laws and help clients better understand them. She has held positions as a public auditor, controller, and operations manager. Lisa has appeared on the Steve Harvey Show, the Ellen Show, and major news broadcast to break down tax laws and help taxpayers understand what tax laws mean to them. For Lisa, getting timely and accurate information out to taxpayers to help them keep more of their money is paramount. More from Lisa Greene-Lewis Follow Lisa Greene-Lewis on Twitter. 39 responses to “Tax Extender Update: TurboTax Has the Facts” « Older Comments I have a question about student loan interest. My son is in his 3rd yr of college. My husband & I have a $25,000 Plus loan we got his 1 st yr. My son takes all the federal loans offered each yr & also gets Sallie Mae Loans to cover everything. We make too much money for him to get grants. Even though all his loans are in his name with the exception of the Plus loan. My husb & I have been paying all the interest on ALL my son’s loans since the very beginning. We do still claim him as a dependent, he’s 20, But a FT student. We also use that interest in our deductions each yr. I hope this is what we should be doing & that I don’t find out later we have been doing the wrong thing or something we are not really able to do. Can you tell me if this is correct or not?? Thank you! Reply If I go ahead and buy turbo tax today but wait until April 2015 to file will my return include all of the most current tax rules Reply Hi Leo, Yes, you will receive notices to update your software, but why wait you may receive a tax refund. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply What is the percent you have to have to deduct medical expenses Reply Anything on the adoption tax credit? Will it become refundable this year. Reply My foreclosure on my condo was filed in court in Feb. 2013. I am still awaiting the foreclosure. If the mortgage debt relief is not extended, does that apply to me since the court has had it since then? Reply is there a tax deduction for a handy caped friend living with me who is on disability Reply I’m no expert! Was just reading your question & I would think that you would have to be able to claim that person as a dependent in order to get relief of some type. Unless, maybe it’s considered charity somehow. Idk though, I’m just taking a guess since Noone ever ans your question!! Reply Last year I was allowed to make a contribution directly from my IRA to my Church which resulted in some favorable tax treatment. Do you expect this option to be available for this tax year. Reply Is a IRA Minimum Required Distribution sent directly to a charity non taxable as it was the last couple of years? Reply « Older Comments Leave a ReplyCancel reply Browse Related Articles Tax Deductions and Credits Tax Extenders Passed: This Could Mean More Money for You and Your Family! 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I have a question about student loan interest. My son is in his 3rd yr of college. My husband & I have a $25,000 Plus loan we got his 1 st yr. My son takes all the federal loans offered each yr & also gets Sallie Mae Loans to cover everything. We make too much money for him to get grants. Even though all his loans are in his name with the exception of the Plus loan. My husb & I have been paying all the interest on ALL my son’s loans since the very beginning. We do still claim him as a dependent, he’s 20, But a FT student. We also use that interest in our deductions each yr. I hope this is what we should be doing & that I don’t find out later we have been doing the wrong thing or something we are not really able to do. Can you tell me if this is correct or not?? Thank you! Reply
If I go ahead and buy turbo tax today but wait until April 2015 to file will my return include all of the most current tax rules Reply
Hi Leo, Yes, you will receive notices to update your software, but why wait you may receive a tax refund. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
My foreclosure on my condo was filed in court in Feb. 2013. I am still awaiting the foreclosure. If the mortgage debt relief is not extended, does that apply to me since the court has had it since then? Reply
I’m no expert! Was just reading your question & I would think that you would have to be able to claim that person as a dependent in order to get relief of some type. Unless, maybe it’s considered charity somehow. Idk though, I’m just taking a guess since Noone ever ans your question!! Reply
Last year I was allowed to make a contribution directly from my IRA to my Church which resulted in some favorable tax treatment. Do you expect this option to be available for this tax year. Reply
Is a IRA Minimum Required Distribution sent directly to a charity non taxable as it was the last couple of years? Reply