Which deductions are classified as "above-the-line" deductions?

"Above-the-line" deductions, also known as "adjustments to income," are those that can be taken before calculating your adjusted gross income (AGI), and they can be claimed regardless of whether you choose to itemize your deductions. This makes them particularly beneficial, as they can reduce your AGI and potentially increase eligibility for other tax credits and deductions, as well as lower the tax burden.

The deductions for unreimbursed medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable donations are classified as "itemized deductions," which means they can only be claimed if a taxpayer opts to itemize instead of taking the standard deduction. In contrast, the classification of certain deductions as "above-the-line" allows all taxpayers to benefit from them, even if they take the standard deduction. Examples of "above-the-line" deductions include contributions to traditional IRAs, student loan interest, or educator expenses, among others. Thus, the choice indicating that these deductions can be claimed irrespective of itemization is the accurate explanation of what constitutes "above-the-line" deductions.