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 Newer Comments » Has the QCD deduction been approved for 2014 ? Reply Hi Albert, No, not yet. That is one of the tax extenders on the table. Keep checking back with us to find out more. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply One question. Up to how much you start paying to the its? My wife just started working. We will make around 95,000 and have 6 dependents. Thanks. Reply IRS* Reply Hi Jose, Your salary less your dependent and personal exemptions of $3,950 each, and the standard deduction puts you in the 15% tax bracket if you are filing jointly so your tax could be close to 6,800, however if your dependents are under 17 you can get an additional credit for each of them making your tax considerably less. In addition, you may have other deductions that you are eligible for that I don’t know about. Try out TurboTax TaxCaster https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/ to estimate further also when you use TurboTax to do your taxes you will be walked through all of the tax deductions and credits you’re eligible for. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply Hello, Is the deduction for PMI one of the items up for vote? As well as all the above, this too expired at midnight 2013. Thank you, Nick Reply Hi Nick, Yes it is. Please check back with the TurboTax blog for updates so you can find out what passes. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply I use turbo tax every year, and have never had any problems. But circumstances have changed for me. Since last year my significant other had become unemployed and his unemployment ran out forcing me to work 2 jobs. He has not been able to find work and still looks. I feel that part of his problem is his age (mid 50’s). Quite frustrating! I am wondering if I can claim him on my taxes since I have been supporting him. Reply Are the tax credits for installation of solar panels still in effect in 2014? Reply what, what? Reply Does anyone know if the FHA mortgage insurance deduction will be allowed for 2014 and beyond? Reply Have you heard anything about the QCD deduction? Reply Fred,,, May I ask what the QCD deduction is? This is the 2nd time I saw that question. Reply What is the current thinking on the IrA contribution to charity deduction being extended? Reply Any predictions on whether or not the Mortgage Debt Relief program will be extended? I am *this* close to finalizing a short sale and am, of course, concerned about the potential of getting taxed on the $110,000 that my house lost in value. Thanks. Reply « Older Comments Newer 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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Hi Albert, No, not yet. That is one of the tax extenders on the table. Keep checking back with us to find out more. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
One question. Up to how much you start paying to the its? My wife just started working. We will make around 95,000 and have 6 dependents. Thanks. Reply
Hi Jose, Your salary less your dependent and personal exemptions of $3,950 each, and the standard deduction puts you in the 15% tax bracket if you are filing jointly so your tax could be close to 6,800, however if your dependents are under 17 you can get an additional credit for each of them making your tax considerably less. In addition, you may have other deductions that you are eligible for that I don’t know about. Try out TurboTax TaxCaster https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/ to estimate further also when you use TurboTax to do your taxes you will be walked through all of the tax deductions and credits you’re eligible for. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
Hello, Is the deduction for PMI one of the items up for vote? As well as all the above, this too expired at midnight 2013. Thank you, Nick Reply
Hi Nick, Yes it is. Please check back with the TurboTax blog for updates so you can find out what passes. Thank you, Lisa Greene-Lewis Reply
I use turbo tax every year, and have never had any problems. But circumstances have changed for me. Since last year my significant other had become unemployed and his unemployment ran out forcing me to work 2 jobs. He has not been able to find work and still looks. I feel that part of his problem is his age (mid 50’s). Quite frustrating! I am wondering if I can claim him on my taxes since I have been supporting him. Reply
Any predictions on whether or not the Mortgage Debt Relief program will be extended? I am *this* close to finalizing a short sale and am, of course, concerned about the potential of getting taxed on the $110,000 that my house lost in value. Thanks. Reply