Tax season changed a lot last year due to the COVID pandemic, and this year the restructuring of taxes continues.
There are a few changes that may have a direct impact on you.
Related: Want your stimulus check or child tax credit faster in 2022? Prepare your taxes to file now
Here are 4 changes to taxes that may impact you in 2021
The expanded child tax credit may impact your taxes next year.
Under the American Rescue Plan, the credit was increased to $3,600 for children under age 6, and $3,000 for children ages 6-17.
In order to qualify, a filer’s income needed to be under $75,000 for single and $150,000 for married.
These payments, however, were an advance against what the IRS thought taxpayers might get based on prior tax returns.
Related: If you collect Social Security benefits, you might owe the IRS money; here’s what to do
If you did not meet the requirements for the payments, you might end up owing money.
File as soon as you can so if you do owe, you can set the money aside.
Health insurance premiums were increased this year to make coverage more affordable to Americans.
Premiums are 8.5% of household income and if your earnings exceeded that threshold, you might need to pay that back.
Charitable deductions may be claimed this year as a tax break if you made any donations in 2021.
Related: What to know about stimulus checks and child tax credits in 2022
This can be done if you don’t itemize your deductions.
Single filers can claim $300 while married couples can claim $600.
Required minimum distributions were waived in 2020, but are back for 2021.
You have until Dec. 31 to withdraw the minimum funds.
If you fail to do so, you face penalties worth up to 50% of what needed to be withdrawn.
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