Tag: Deductions

WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — After emptying your wallets this holiday season, you may be eager to get some of that money back. 

Tax season is weeks away, and it’s time where you either empty your pocket again or hope to get a refund.

“I love the tax world,” Roland Cliffe said.

Everyday, all year long Cliffe and his wife Pam work at the H & R Block Franchise on Moody Road. Cliffe works in tax preparation and IRS correspondence.

Every year, the amount you pay in federal taxes is based on your tax bracket.

“The tax brackets themselves, the percentages have not changed in quite a while. What seems to change every single year is the amount of money, the dollars that are being taxed in each bracket,” Cliffe said.

He says these changes are due to inflation.

Here are the brackets for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2024): 

• Incomes over $609,350 ($731,200 for married couples filing jointly) – 37%
• Incomes over $243,725 ($487,450 for married couples filing jointly) – 35%
• Incomes over $191,950 ($383,900 for married couples filing jointly) – 32%
• Incomes over $100,525 ($201,050 for married couples filing jointly) – 24%
• Incomes over $47,150 ($94,300 for married couples filing jointly) – 22%
• Incomes over $11,600 ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly) – 12%
• Incomes of $11,600 or less ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly) – 10%                       

Cliffe says their average customer in Warner Robins falls in the 12% or 22%  bracket.  He says the jump is a big difference in tax. 

“It doesn’t take a whole lot of dollars to go from the one to the other, a small raise and you’re there,” he said.

However, the IRS says there is good news. They plan to offer some relief. The agency increased their standard deductions. Single taxpayers and married couples filing separately will see a $4,600 deduction. For couples filing jointly, the deduction will be $29,200.  

Cliffe says saving over time is also a good way to bring yourself some relief.

“It’s easier on the wallet by taking a few dollars along, rather than tax time. There’s the 1040. Your balance due is, “oh my goodness, $4000, I wasn’t expecting that,” he said.

He says H & R Block has programs to help you track your finances throughout the year, so you aren’t shocked by tax day.

“So many people say. I don’t think I can save anything. Well, let me tell you what, uh, you can’t afford not to save,” he said. 

There’s more good news. Cliffe says if you filed a 2023 extension those were extended through May 2025.

Plus the IRS says deductions will go up again in 2026 when you file your 2025 taxes. Those deductions range from an additional 400 to 800 dollars in relief.