Understanding Phase-Outs for Tax Credits

Dr. Friday explains phase-out thresholds for tax credits like child tax credits, adoption credits, and education deductions. She highlights how marriage can impact eligibility. Transcript: G’day, I’m Dr. Friday, president of Dr. Friday’s Tax and Financial Firm. To get more info, go to www.drfriday.com. This is a one-minute moment. Some things have what we call a phase-out. For example, the child tax credit—it starts at about $200,000 for a single person and about $400,000 for a married couple. Adoption credit? Pretty much $252,000 for a single, and guess what? The same exact number for a married couple. So there’s the marriage penalty for you. Interest on education? $80,000 for a single, $165,000 for a married couple. You get where I’m going here. In most cases, the limit doubles for married couples, but not always. Educational savings bonds? Again, another marriage penalty. You need to understand these dollar amounts—otherwise, you won’t be able to take the tax credit. Need help? Call 615-367-0819. You can catch the Dr. Friday Call-In Show live every Saturday afternoon from 2 to 3 p.m. right here on 99.7 WTN.