7 Overlooked Tax Credits That Could Save You Thousands in 2025

Each year, millions of Americans miss out on valuable savings because of commonly **overlooked tax credits**. While everyone knows about the big ones, the tax code is filled with smaller, more specific credits that can add up to thousands of dollars. These are the credits people genuinely don’t know about.

This guide will uncover seven of these crucial credits. Read on to see if you’ve been leaving free money on the table.

1. The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit (Saver’s Credit)

This is one of the most powerful but least-known credits. If you have a low-to-moderate income and you’re saving for retirement in a 401(k), IRA, or similar account, the government will give you a bonus. The Saver’s Credit is designed to help you build your nest egg, and it’s a credit you can claim *in addition* to the tax deduction you get for your retirement contributions.

Who Qualifies: Eligibility is based on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). You can find the latest income limits on the official IRS page for the Saver’s Credit.

2. The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)

While many people know about the American Opportunity Tax Credit for undergraduate students, the Lifetime Learning Credit is far more flexible and often overlooked. It’s not just for traditional college students. You can claim it for courses taken to acquire new job skills, even if you’re not pursuing a degree. This is perfect for professionals looking to upskill.

Who Qualifies: Students taking undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree courses — or courses taken to acquire job skills.

3. The Credit for Other Dependents

Do you support a child who is too old for the Child Tax Credit (age 17 or older)? Or perhaps you’re caring for an aging parent or another relative who lives with you? You might be able to claim the Credit for Other Dependents. This non-refundable credit is worth up to $500 for each qualifying dependent who doesn’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit.

4. The Adoption Tax Credit

Adoption is a beautiful way to build a family, but it can be incredibly expensive. The Adoption Tax Credit helps offset those costs. For 2025, this credit is worth a significant amount per child and can cover expenses like adoption fees, court costs, and attorney fees. It’s a complex credit, so it’s often missed by those who don’t use a tax professional.

Find out if you qualify with our simple tool: Adoption Tax Credit Calculator (2025).

5. The Child and Dependent Care Credit

This one seems obvious, but it’s often under-claimed or misunderstood, especially by parents who use a workplace Dependent Care FSA. Many people don’t realize that if they have two or more children and high child care costs, they may be able to use their FSA *and* still claim a portion of this credit. It covers expenses for child care (for children under 13) that you paid so you could work or look for work.

Confused about the FSA vs. the Tax Credit? Use our optimizer to see which saves you more.

6. The Residential Clean Energy Credit

Did you install solar panels, a solar water heater, or a geothermal heat pump? The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a significant credit that allows you to deduct a percentage of the cost of new, qualified clean energy property for your home. With the high cost of these systems, this credit can translate into thousands of dollars in tax savings.

7. Credit for the Elderly or Disabled

This is one of the most overlooked credits of all. If you are age 65 or older, or if you are retired on permanent and total disability, you might qualify for this credit. It’s designed to help those with limited incomes, and the rules can be complex, which is why many eligible taxpayers miss it.