What are 'Adjustments to Income'?

'Adjustments to Income' refer to specific expenses that taxpayers can subtract from their gross income in order to calculate their Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). This is a crucial step in the tax calculation process, as AGI is an important figure used to determine eligibility for various tax benefits and deductions.

Common examples of adjustments to income include student loan interest, contributions to traditional IRAs, and certain tuition and fees. By allowing taxpayers to reduce their gross income, these adjustments can lead to a lower tax liability and potentially qualify them for additional deductions and credits that depend on AGI levels.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the definition of 'Adjustments to Income.' For instance, increasing gross income does not pertain to deductions and solely represents earnings; funds used to pay off debts are not relevant to AGI calculations, as they do not represent expenditures that reduce taxable income; and investments, while potentially beneficial in a financial context, do not qualify as adjustments to income on a tax return.