With the end of the year approaching, many taxpayers only start looking at the IRS when it is time to file the declaration. However, there are decisions that can be taken even before December 31st and that directly influence the amount of reimbursement to be received in 2026. The rule is simple: only expenses incurred within the calendar year count, but the way they are planned can make a significant difference in the final settlement with the Tax Authorities.
According to Ekonomista, a website specializing in economics, deductions for IRS collection are based on expenses duly communicated and associated with the taxpayer number, within specific categories defined by law. This is why the last days of the year are seen as an opportunity to settle accounts, especially for those who have not yet reached the maximum deduction limits.
Health remains one of the most relevant deductions
Health expenses remain among the most advantageous, allowing you to deduct 15 percent of the amount spent. This category includes medical consultations, exams, clinical analyses, dental treatments, physiotherapy, hospitalizations and prescription medications.
According to the same source, many taxpayers end up losing part of this deduction by postponing health care that was already planned. Routine consultations, dental treatments or the purchase of prescription glasses are examples of expenses that, when incurred by the end of the year, count towards the next IRS. The essential thing is to ensure that the invoice has the NIF correctly associated.
Education and training can weigh on reimbursement
Education expenses allow a 30 percent deduction and include tuition fees, school fees, daycare, ATL, manuals and school supplies. Certified professional training courses also fall into this category.
According to the specialized publication, advance payment of tuition fees or monthly fees, when permitted by institutions, can be a legitimate way to reinforce deductions. The same applies to the purchase of books or school supplies that are already necessary for the beginning of the following year.
Housing and rent require attention to detail
Anyone who lives in a rented house can deduct 15 percent of the rent paid, within legal limits. In housing loans, only contracts signed until the end of 2011 continue to benefit from interest deductions.
According to Ekonomista, it is important to confirm that all rents are duly communicated by the landlord on the Finance Portal. A simple communication error can make a relevant deduction disappear in the final tax calculation.
General and family expenses help to “close” the ceiling
General and family expenses work as a transversal basis and allow you to deduct 35 percent of day-to-day expenses, such as restaurants, hairdressers, workshops, gyms or clothing. Although they have a relatively low maximum limit, they are essential for reaching the overall deduction ceiling.
According to the same source, always requesting an invoice with NIF continues to be the golden rule. Small expenses accumulated throughout the year make a difference when added together.
Homes, dependents and health insurance
Expenses for nursing homes or day centers allow 25 percent of the amounts paid to be deducted. Health insurance premiums also entitle you to a separate deduction of 15 percent.
The explains that these deductions are often forgotten, especially in the case of insurance, when payments are made by direct debit and not checked in the e-invoice.
Organization is as important as spending
More than increasing expenses, the essential thing is to organize them. Validating invoices in e-invoice, confirming categories and saving receipts are fundamental steps. There is still the possibility of correcting or claiming invoices until February, but the ideal is to enter the new year with everything in order.
Tax planning is not about spending more, it’s about spending better. And, in many cases, the IRS refund begins to build up even before the end of the year.
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