The average W-2 employee leaves over $1,200 on the table each year by missing legal tax deductions. In this episode, we break down seven deductions that working professionals consistently overlook—from home office deductions to educator expenses—and show you exactly how to claim them. These are fully documented, completely legal deductions that could put real money back in your pocket.

In this episode:

• Home office deduction: If you do any freelance or side work in a dedicated space, you can deduct up to $1,500 using the IRS simplified method (5 dollars per square foot, up to 300 square feet)

• Student loan interest deduction: Claim up to $2,500 in annual interest paid on federal or private student loans without itemizing (available up to $75k income for single filers, $155k married filing jointly)

• Educator expenses: K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals, and aides working 900+ hours yearly can deduct up to $300 in classroom supplies ($600 if both spouses qualify)

• You don't have to be self-employed to claim these deductions—W-2 employees qualify for most of them

• Many people never claim these deductions simply because they don't know they exist or forget to look for the supporting documents

Free Debt Payoff Tracker: https://moneystraighttalk.com

Not financial advice.