Tax Break

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Definition of 'Tax Break'

A tax break is a reduction in the amount of tax that an individual or a business is required to pay. Tax breaks can be used to encourage certain behaviors or activities, such as saving for retirement or investing in renewable energy. They can also be used to offset the cost of certain expenses, such as medical care or childcare.

There are two main types of tax breaks:

* **Rebates** are a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of tax that an individual or business owes.
* **Deductions** reduce the amount of income that is subject to tax.

Rebates are typically used to provide relief to taxpayers who are struggling financially, while deductions are more often used to encourage certain behaviors or activities.

Tax breaks can be either **refundable** or **non-refundable**. Refundable tax breaks can be claimed even if the taxpayer does not owe any taxes. Non-refundable tax breaks can only be claimed to reduce the amount of tax that the taxpayer owes.

Tax breaks can be offered by the federal government, state governments, or local governments. The amount of tax relief that a taxpayer can receive depends on their income, filing status, and other factors.

Tax breaks can be a valuable tool for taxpayers, but it is important to understand how they work before claiming them. Taxpayers should consult with a tax professional to make sure that they are claiming all of the tax breaks that they are eligible for.

Here are some examples of tax breaks:

* The **child tax credit** is a refundable tax credit that can be claimed for each qualifying child. The amount of the credit depends on the taxpayer's income and filing status.
* The **earned income tax credit** is a refundable tax credit that is available to low- and moderate-income workers. The amount of the credit depends on the taxpayer's income, filing status, and number of qualifying children.
* The **deduction for medical expenses** allows taxpayers to deduct medical expenses that exceed a certain percentage of their adjusted gross income.
* The **deduction for charitable contributions** allows taxpayers to deduct donations that they make to qualified charities.

Tax breaks can be a complex topic, but they can also be a valuable tool for taxpayers. By understanding how tax breaks work, taxpayers can make sure that they are claiming all of the tax breaks that they are eligible for.

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