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It’s easy to see why many people consider tax season to be one of the most stressful times of the year. After all, one small mistake or oversight could cost you lots of money. However, thankfully, there are numerous credits and deductions available to help you maximize your return or minimize your tax liability. While these credits apply to everyone, there are 2026 tax deductions for women that are especially important to consider.
If you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of your taxes, then this article will be especially useful. Here are the most common 2026 tax deductions for women to keep in mind for the upcoming tax season!
Important 2026 Tax Deductions for Women to Know About in 2026
Child and Dependent Care Credit
If you’re a parent or caretaker, then you know firsthand how much daycare can cost. But all that money you’re putting towards childcare can actually lower your tax bill. The Child and Dependent Care Credit is designed specifically for working mothers or parents (or parents who attend school) who put their kids into daycare, after-school programs, or babysitting care.
The exact credit amount will depend on your income and monthly costs. However, it’s one of those important 2026 tax deductions for women to claim on their tax return.
Related: 7 Common Tax Filing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Health Savings Account Contributions
Employed women enrolled in a high-deductible health plan may be able to deduct their HSA contributions – even if their employer also contributes to the plan. This is a win-win situation, as you’ll be able to reduce your tax liability while also setting aside money for your health and medical expenses.
The HSA contribution limit is $4,400 for single coverage and $8,750 for family coverage. It’s important to note that your employee contributions also count towards these limits.
Student Loan Interest Deductions
Are you still paying off your student loans? If so, then the interest tied to those payments may be deductible this tax season. And the best part is, you can still claim this interest even if you’re no longer a student.
For 2026, you’ll be able to deduct up to $2,500 of student loan interest. However, there are certain requirements you’ll have to meet in order to qualify for this deduction. For instance, you can’t be claimed as a dependent or file as Married Filing Separately. There are also income limits depending on your filing status, so it’s best to review these or work with a tax professional to ensure you are eligible.
Retirement Contributions
Another way to save money on your tax return is through retirement contributions. If you’re contributing to a traditional IRA or 401(k), you can reduce your tax liability while also saving up for your retirement. The contribution limit for an IRA is $7,500 for those under 50 years of age and $8,600 for those over 50 years of age. If you contribute to a 401(k), you can contribute up to $24,500.
Charitable Donations
It pays to give back – especially during tax season! Any charitable contributions you made in 2025 can be deducted from your taxes. This could be a cash donation, clothing or household items, or even cars, as long as the charity is a qualifying nonprofit organization. You’ll also need proof of the donation (usually a receipt or confirmation email).
This is one of the most overlooked tax deductions for women, as small donations over the year may be forgotten when it’s time to file. Just make sure you keep your records and track your contributions so you can take advantage of this deduction!
Medical Expense Deductions
Not everyone will qualify for a medical expense deduction, but it’s worth checking in case you’ve had major health-related costs during the year. This includes doctor visits, hospital bills, dental work, medications, and even medical equipment.
The catch is that you can only deduct the amount that exceeds 7.55% of your income. For this reason, it usually only makes sense to deduct medical expenses if you’ve paid an unusually high amount in bills.
Standard Deduction vs Itemized Deductions
When filing your taxes, you’ll be asked to either take the standard deduction or itemize your deductions. The standard deduction is a flat amount that reduces your tax liability. It doesn’t require you to track or list individual expenses, making it a much simpler option for most taxpayers.
Here are the amounts for the standard 2026 tax deductions for women:
- Single (or Married Filing Separately): $16,100
- Married Filing Jointly: $32,200
- Head of Household: $24,150
Not sure which status to file under? We have useful tips on whether it’s better for moms to file separately or jointly.
Itemizing, on the other hand, takes a bit more effort since you have to list out all your expenses. But it can be worth it if you believe you’ll have more expenses than what is given in the standard deduction. If you do choose the standard deduction, keep in mind that there are some deductions you cannot claim on your return. This includes some of the deductions we listed above, like charitable donations and medical expense donations. However, it also includes other deductions like
- Mortgage interested
- State and local taxes
- Casualty/theft losses
Don’t Miss Out on These 2026 Tax Deductions for Women
The key to getting the most out of your tax return is to claim these 2026 tax deductions for women. Although it can feel overwhelming to keep track of everything, taking the time to review your expenses and contributions can make a huge difference. Working with an H&R Block tax professional or filing with their online filing tool can make the process easier. This way, you can tackle tax season head-on and ensure you are getting the most money back on your return!
Related: Career Pivot Tips for Women Starting Over in the New Year
