https://physiciansrs.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Why-You-Need-to-Lock-in-Disability-Insurance-for-Doctors-During-Residency.jpg 1250 2000 AbstraktMarketing /wp-content/uploads/2022/03/prs-logo-color.png AbstraktMarketing2025-04-24 08:02:412025-04-25 15:35:52Why You Need to Lock in Disability Insurance for Doctors During ResidencyUnderstanding the Basics: Definitions and Differences of Deductions vs. Withholding
When it comes to taxes and payroll, two key terms that physicians need to understand are deductions and withholding. While they sound similar, there are some important differences between the two.
Deductions refer to expenses that can be subtracted from your gross pay to calculate your taxable income. Common deductions for physicians include:
- Business expenses like medical equipment, supplies, education, travel, etc.
- Contributions to retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs
- Mortgage interest
- Student loan interest
- Certain medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income
Taking advantage of deductions can lower your taxable income and the amount of taxes you owe. However, you usually need to proactively claim deductions when filing your tax return. Withholding refers to the amount of taxes that are taken out of each paycheck by your employer and paid directly to the IRS and state tax authorities. Common types of withholding include:
- Federal income tax
- State income tax
- Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA)
Withholding serves to pay a portion of your total tax obligation incrementally throughout the year. At tax time, you calculate your total tax liability and reconcile it with the amount already paid through withholding.
Tax season can be one of the most stressful times of the year, so why not make it hassle-free with expert tax support? Physician’s Resource Services helps you address the challenges of tax preparation in the medical field.
Deductions: What They Are and How They Work for Physicians
As a physician, you have access to several valuable deductions that can lower your taxable income if you qualify:
- Self-employment expenses: As a self-employed physician, you can deduct eligible business expenses like medical equipment, supplies, education/training, travel, professional dues, licensing fees, medical malpractice insurance, and a portion of office rent, utilities, and staff wages. You can also take advantage of above-the-line deductions, such as contributions to a qualified retirement account and student loan interest, which can further reduce your taxable income.
- 401(k)/IRA contributions: Contributing pre-tax dollars to a qualified retirement account brings down your taxable income. In 2023, you can contribute up to $22,500 to a 401(k) and $6,500 to an IRA.
- Student loan interest: Up to $2,500 of student loan interest can be deducted depending on your MAGI (modified adjusted gross income).
- Home mortgage interest: Up to $750,000 of qualified loans can be deducted.
- Medical expenses: Unreimbursed medical expenses above 7.5% of your AGI are deductible.
Tracking eligible deductions throughout the year and claiming them on your tax return is key. Consider using an accounting professional to ensure you maximize available deductions.
Withholding: An Overview and Its Impact on Physician’s Earnings
Withholding serves as a prepayment of your eventual income tax liability. For physicians, typical withholding includes:
- Federal income tax: This is based on your income, filing status, and number of allowances claimed on Form W-4. In 2023, the standard withholding rate is 37% for incomes over $578,125 (single) or $693,750 (married filing jointly).
- State income tax: Varies by state but may be 0%-13% of taxable income.
- FICA taxes: Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) taxes combined equal 15.3% of the first $160,200 of net earnings for self-employed in 2023.
For W-2 employed physicians, your employer handles withholding from each paycheck. As a self-employed physician, you make quarterly estimated tax payments for federal and state income taxes and self-employment taxes.
Withholding reduces your net earnings and cash flow. However, paying taxes incrementally through withholding often prevents a large tax bill as well as penalties/interest for underpayment at tax time. Adjust withholding allowances or estimated payments to optimize cash flow while avoiding underpayment.
The Key Distinctions Between Deductions vs. Withholding
While deductions and withholding both impact your tax liability, there are some notable differences:
- Deductions are subtracted from gross income to calculate taxable income, while withholding is removed from net pay as prepayment of income taxes.
- Deductions must be claimed proactively on your tax return to get the benefit. Withholding happens automatically based on your W-4/estimated payments.
- Qualification requirements and limits apply to deductions. Withholding applies to all taxpayers making over the filing threshold.
- Deductions directly reduce tax liability. Withholding serves as prepayment that is reconciled at tax time.
- Maximizing deductions requires advanced tax planning. Withholding allowances can be adjusted simply via W-4/estimated payments.
Understanding deductions vs. withholding allows physicians to optimize their tax strategy. Claiming every available deduction reduces taxable income and tax liability. Adjusting withholding balances cash flow needs while preventing underpayment penalties.
Optimize Your Tax Understanding With Physician’s Resource Services
As a physician or medical professional, taxes can often seem overwhelming. From income taxes to payroll and employment taxes, there are many complex rules and regulations to navigate. Having a strong understanding of the tax implications for your medical practice is crucial.
Physician’s Resource Services offers valuable insights and resources to help you optimize your tax knowledge. With our experienced physician tax services, you can better grasp key tax concepts and avoid costly mistakes. We strive to provide clarity on issues like tax deductions, retirement planning, payroll withholding, and more. Our goal is to empower physicians to make informed tax decisions, so you can solidify your financial plan and avoid unnecessary hassle.
Contact the experts at Physician’s Resource Services today to start planning ahead for the upcoming tax season.
This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation.
Advisory Services Network, LLC does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state laws are complex and constantly changing. You should always consult your own legal or tax professional for information concerning your individual situation.
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