There’s Still Time to Reduce Your 2024 Taxable Income: 3 Tips to Consider

January 15, 2025

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Even though 2024 is behind us, it’s not too late to take steps that could help lower your 2024 taxable income before Tax Day in April. Ahead, we'll go over a few options to keep in mind as you get ready to prepare your federal tax return.

A quick note: Taxes can be complicated, and everyone’s financial situation is different. It’s always a good idea to reach out to a tax professional for help if you have specific questions about your tax liability, filing requirements, and any applicable deadlines.

1. Consider maximizing your traditional IRA contribution if you can

If you have a traditional IRA, you can make contributions for the 2024 tax year up until April 15, 2025. As a reminder: For the 2024 tax year, the maximum annual IRA contribution limit is $7,000 (or $8,000 if you’re age 50 or older). Keep in mind that this is the total amount of contributions you can make to all of your traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs.

So if you haven’t reached the limit yet, think about maximizing your contribution if you can. Why? Contributions to a traditional IRA may be tax-deductible up to a certain dollar amount if you’re eligible to claim the deduction, which could help lower your overall taxable income.

Your ability to deduct your traditional IRA contributions depends on several factors such as your income, filing status, and whether you’re covered by a workplace retirement plan. Visit this IRS webpage for more information about deduction limits.

Good to know: Contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax-deductible.

2. Don’t forget about HSA contributions

A Health Savings Account or HSA is where you could put money away to help pay for qualified medical expenses, such as prescriptions and doctor visits. Individuals with a High Deductible Healthcare Plan (HDHP) can open and fund an HSA if they meet certain requirements as outlined by the IRS.

Contributions to an HSA may also be tax-deductible. For the 2024 tax year, the annual contribution limit to an HSA for an individual with self-only coverage is $4,150 (and $8,300 for family coverage). If you’re 55 or older, you could contribute an additional $1,000 (known as "catch-up contribution").

If you haven’t maxed out your HSA, you still have time to make contributions. Even though the 2024 calendar year is over, you typically have up until Tax Day to make HSA contributions for the 2024 tax year.

3. See if itemizing deductions makes sense for you

Many taxpayers choose to take the standard deduction when filing their tax returns.

That being said, you may not want to overlook the option of itemizing your deductions. Depending on your situation, sometimes, it might make sense to itemize if you think the total of your itemized deductions will be greater than the standard deduction.

For the 2024 tax year, the standard deduction is $14,600 for single filers or married filing separately; $21,900 for heads of household; and $29,200 for those married filing jointly.

Itemizing your deductions usually takes a little more time and work, but it may be worth it if it can help further lower your taxable income.

Some examples of common itemized deductions include:

State and local income, sales, and property taxes
Mortgage interest
Charitable contributions

For a list of allowable itemized deductions, see IRS Schedule A (Form 1040). As always, if you’re unsure whether taking the standard deduction or itemizing makes sense for you, consult a tax professional. They can help you crunch the numbers and determine the best course of action.

Finally, be aware that tax rules for deductions and credits are subject to change. Always check in with the IRS or a tax professional for the most up-to-date information.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized professional tax advice. Individuals should consult their own tax advisor for matters specific to their own taxes. This article was prepared by and approved by Marcus by Goldman Sachs, but does not reflect the institutional opinions of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates, subsidiaries or divisions. Goldman Sachs Bank USA and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC are not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting, tax or other recommendations in this article. Information and opinions expressed in this article are as of the date of this material only and subject to change without notice. Information contained in this article does not constitute the provision of investment advice by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC or any of their affiliates. Neither Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC nor any of their affiliates makes any representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements of any information contained in this document and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.