When it comes to reducing your tax bill, most people have heard the terms “tax deduction” and “tax credit,” but many don’t fully understand the difference. Confusing the two can lead to missed opportunities for savings—and nobody wants to pay more taxes than necessary. At Compass Tax Center, we help clients navigate these nuances so they can maximize their refunds and reduce their taxable income.

Running your own business or freelancing offers freedom, flexibility, and the chance to pursue your passions—but it also comes with unique tax responsibilities. Unlike traditional employees, self-employed individuals and small business owners must track income, expenses, and deductions throughout the year. Mistakes can lead to missed deductions, underpaid taxes, or even penalties.

Tax season can feel overwhelming. For many, the thought of gathering W-2s, tracking deductions, and ensuring compliance with IRS rules can be stressful—even for those who file every year. But it doesn’t have to be this way. At Compass Tax Center, we’ve designed a simple, three-step process to make filing taxes stress-free, fast, and accurate. Whether you’re a first-time filer or a seasoned taxpayer, our system is built to ensure you get the maximum refund possible while keeping the process straightforward.

Three commonly overlooked tax deductions that might be preventing you from maximizing your refund.  And tips to help out your tax pro!