Many taxpayers in Rockwall, Heath, and Rowlett leave money on the table every year simply because they don’t know which deductions they qualify for—or how to claim them correctly. Maximizing your deductions isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about understanding the full scope of the tax code and applying it to your unique financial life.
At Brozewicz CPA, we work with individuals across Rockwall County to uncover legitimate deductions, reduce tax liability, and ensure total IRS compliance. Here’s how you can keep more of your income with a strategic, professional approach to tax preparation.
1. Understand the Two Paths: Standard vs. Itemized Deductions
Every taxpayer must choose between taking the standard deduction or itemizing. For 2025, the IRS has again increased the standard deduction, making it more attractive for many. However, if your deductible expenses exceed the standard amount, itemizing could save you significantly more.
Itemized deductions may include:
- Mortgage interest (particularly relevant for new homeowners in Heath or Rowlett)
- State and local property taxes
- Medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of your AGI
- Charitable contributions (cash and non-cash)
- Casualty and theft losses in federally declared disaster areas
A CPA can evaluate both options and calculate which will offer the greatest return.
2. Don’t Overlook These Commonly Missed Deductions
Some deductions fly under the radar for most taxpayers. These include:
- Student loan interest: Even if you didn’t make payments, you may still qualify for a partial deduction.
- Educator expenses: Teachers can deduct classroom supply purchases up to a set limit.
- Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions: These are above-the-line deductions, reducing your taxable income even if you don’t itemize.
- Job search expenses: While limited, certain costs for relocating for a job or maintaining a professional license may be deductible in specific cases.
Working with a local CPA ensures you’re not missing opportunities simply because your tax software didn’t prompt you.
3. Timing Matters: Plan Before Year-End
The most effective deduction strategies begin before December 31. A CPA can help you plan moves that optimize your tax situation well ahead of filing season, such as:
- Making an extra mortgage payment in December
- Accelerating charitable donations
- Prepaying medical expenses or insurance premiums
- Harvesting investment losses to offset gains
These are small adjustments that can make a major impact on your final tax bill.
Get more information about how timing plays a key role in tax strategy.
4. Know What’s Not Deductible
Not everything you spend qualifies for a deduction—and guessing wrong could result in an IRS correction or audit. Some commonly misunderstood items include:
- Commuting costs to and from work
- Home renovations (unless medically necessary or energy-efficient qualified)
- Personal clothing, even for work (unless it’s a required uniform)
- Entertainment expenses (largely non-deductible post-2017 tax reform)
Having a CPA review your deductions helps avoid overclaims and protects you from future penalties.
5. Leverage Local Expertise for Property Tax Deductions
Texas may not have a state income tax, but it does have significant property taxes. A Rockwall CPA understands how local tax bills interact with your federal filing and can guide you on:
- How much of your property tax is deductible
- When to claim the deduction for maximum benefit
- Whether protest savings or exemptions affect your eligibility
If you’ve recently purchased a home in Heath, Royse City, or Fate, this could be especially relevant.
Check this out to learn how Brozewicz CPA helps new and longtime homeowners take advantage of property tax-related deductions.
6. Prepare for IRS Documentation
Maximizing deductions is only effective if you can support your claims. A CPA helps you build a strong audit-proof file by ensuring you retain:
- Receipts and invoices
- Proof of charitable giving (letters from organizations)
- Mortgage and tax statements (Form 1098)
- Medical billing summaries and insurance EOBs
We’ll advise on what to keep, how long to keep it, and the best way to store it.
A Local Success Story
A Heath resident with multiple income sources came to us after years of overpaying using a national tax service. After reviewing their financials, we:
- Identified overlooked HSA and mortgage deductions
- Reclassified some unreimbursed work expenses as deductible under a self-employed status
- Recommended a charitable giving strategy that increased their refund by 22%
All of this was possible through proactive review, tax knowledge, and local understanding.
Get the Deductions You Deserve
Tax savings aren’t just for business owners or the ultra-wealthy. With the right support, everyday individuals across Rockwall and surrounding cities can lower their tax bill and feel confident in their return.
Brozewicz CPA provides one-on-one, tailored tax preparation for individuals who want to keep more of what they earn—and do it the right way.
