When dealing with taxes, insurance policies, and other legal matters, it’s important to understand what deductible means. Deductible is a term used to describe the portion of a bill or expense you must pay before the policy or agreement you’re involved in kicks in. In simple terms, it’s the portion of a cost or expense that you must cover before the policy takes over.
For example, medical insurance often has a deductible that a patient must pay before the coverage takes effect. When a patient incurs medical bills, they must pay the deductible before their insurance will cover the rest. This means that the insured retains a large share of the expense, with the insurer responsible for the remainder.
Insurance policies aren’t the only place where deductibles are applicable. In certain tax situations, people may be able to claim some sort of deduction, or increase in their itemized deductions as a result of certain expenses. Examples of these could include charitable donations or homeowner expenses. In this instance, the deductible amount can greatly reduce the overall amount of taxes you owe, since you’re able to deduct it from your taxable income.
When it comes to business, deductibles can also apply to things such as property, theft, and casualty insurance. The amount of the deductible determines the amount the insurer is liable for in the event of a loss. In general, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium, and vice versa.
Understanding how to calculate the deductible amount and its role in different situations is key for business professionals looking to utilize it to their advantage. Deductibles are a great tool for business owners who need to manage costs or can use the deductions to reduce their tax liabilities.