Simmons Tax Service • Warner Robins, GA
Every tax season, thousands of Warner Robins residents and small business owners file their returns without claiming every deduction they are legally entitled to. The result? They overpay. At Simmons Tax Service, with over 20 years of experience helping Middle Georgia families and businesses, we see the same missed deductions year after year.
Here are the 10 most commonly missed tax deductions and what you need to know about each one.
If you use a dedicated space in your home regularly and exclusively for business, you may qualify for the home office deduction. This applies to self-employed individuals and small business owners. You can deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage, utilities, and internet based on the percentage of your home used for business.
If you are self-employed and pay for your own health insurance, you can deduct 100% of those premiums for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. This deduction comes directly off your adjusted gross income.
Did you drive for work-related purposes in 2025? Every mile driven for business, client visits, or job sites can be deducted. The IRS standard mileage rate applies. Keep a mileage log throughout the year and bring it to your appointment.
Courses, certifications, books, and training that maintain or improve skills required in your current job are deductible. This includes online courses, workshops, and professional subscriptions.
Cash donations to qualifying organizations are deductible, but so are non-cash donations like clothing, furniture, and household items. Many taxpayers forget to document and claim donations made throughout the year.
If you paid for daycare, after-school programs, or summer camp so you could work or look for work, you may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. This is a credit, not just a deduction, meaning it reduces your tax bill dollar for dollar.
You can deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest paid during the year, even if you do not itemize. This deduction phases out at higher income levels but is available to most middle-income earners.
Out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income are deductible if you itemize. This includes doctor visits, prescriptions, dental work, vision care, and medical equipment. Many families meet this threshold without realizing it.
You can deduct up to $10,000 in state and local taxes, including property taxes and state income or sales taxes. Georgia residents who own property should make sure this is captured on their return.
Contributions to a traditional IRA, SEP-IRA, or SIMPLE IRA may be deductible depending on your income and whether you have a workplace retirement plan. Small business owners especially benefit from maximizing retirement contributions as a tax strategy.
The difference between a good tax preparer and a great one is knowing every deduction you qualify for. Tori Simmons and the team at Simmons Tax Service in Warner Robins, GA have spent over 20 years helping individuals, families, and small business owners maximize their refunds and minimize what they owe.
Ready to make sure you are not missing anything? Book your appointment today or call us at (478) 551-4941.