AI Found $3,500 in Missed Deductions: A Case Study
Names and details changed for privacy, but the savings are real.
The Client
Sarah, a freelance graphic designer who had already filed her taxes using TurboTax. She thought she was done until a friend recommended our AI analysis.
"I figured TurboTax caught everything," Sarah said. "I was wrong."
What Our AI Found
1. Home Office Deduction ($1,200)
TurboTax asked if she had a home office but didn't explain the calculation properly. Our AI:
- Calculated the exact square footage allocation
- Included utilities, internet, and maintenance
- Applied the simplified method where beneficial
2. Business Equipment ($980)
Sarah bought a new laptop and monitor but only deducted the laptop. Our AI caught:
- Monitor and accessories
- Software subscriptions
- Professional development courses
3. Vehicle Expenses ($850)
She tracked some business miles but not all. Our AI identified:
- Client meetings she forgot to log
- Supply runs to office stores
- Networking events
4. Health Insurance Deduction ($470)
As a self-employed individual, her health insurance premiums were fully deductible. TurboTax missed this completely.
The Results
Total additional deductions found: $3,500
Additional tax savings: $1,050
Analysis cost: $20
Net benefit: $1,030
Why AI Finds More
Traditional tax software relies on you knowing what to look for. Our AI:
- Analyzes every line of your return
- Cross-references against 1,000+ potential deductions
- Identifies patterns humans miss
- Suggests optimizations based on your specific situation
Common Deductions People Miss
- Home office expenses - Even partial use counts
- Professional development - Courses, books, conferences
- Equipment depreciation - Computers, phones, furniture
- Travel expenses - Business meals, hotels, transport
- Professional services - Legal, accounting, consulting fees
Your Turn
How much are you leaving on the table? Even if you've already filed, you can amend returns up to 3 years back.
Ready to see what you're missing? Upload your return for AI analysis
"I've been doing taxes for 20 years and TaxCheckMe's AI found deductions I missed. It's like having a tax expert review every line." - Janet, CPA