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According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), about 75% of taxpayers take the standard deduction but could be missing out on valuable tax deductions if they can itemize. Now more than ever – with significant code changes resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – taxpayers should strongly consider their tax planning before the year-end.

The good news is that the IRS recently issued a new publication that will help taxpayers better understand the reform to enable them to begin setting up their best possible tax scenario. Publication 5307 can be accessed with other beneficial information from IRS.gov/getready.

Publication 5307 provides information about increases to the standard deduction, suspending personal exemptions, increasing and adding credits and limiting or discontinuing certain deductions, and more.

Now is a good time to consult a tax professional to best determine how the law affects your unique situation. John Kasperek Co., Inc. is a leading expert accounting firm in the Chicago Southland region and can be reached at (708) 862-2262 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Teachers will now have more resources to put into their classrooms, and not just because of Illinois lawmakers’ recent passing of a new school funding formula. Thanks to new bill sponsored by Representative Sue Scherer (Dem.), Illinois educators may be eligible for a new $250 state tax credit in addition to the existing federal deduction.

Teachers and aides often spend hundreds of dollars each year to improve their classroom experience at their own expense. The federal government already allowed teachers to claim tax deductions on supplies they bring to school, up to $250. Now, the state of Illinois will also allow them to claim up to $250 in deductions for instructional materials and supplies on their state income tax returns. The new state credit is available to all teachers, principals or aides in Illinois qualified schools who work at least 900 hours during a school year. Teachers in both private and public schools can apply for the credit.

This new credit went into effect this school year. While the state credit will provide some additional relief to teachers, the hope is that it may also help students of families who might not be able to afford the entire school supply list.

Please keep in mind, as with almost every rule there are exceptions and limitations and John Kasperek Co., Inc. strongly recommends you consult a tax professional to best determine how the law affects your unique situation.

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