by Charlotte Raynor Piggush

Created on: October 24, 2008

Are you missing any of these tax deductions?

Being intelligent about your taxes entails choosing in advance how you are going to decrease your tax liability. A great deal of this has to do with which deductions will decrease your taxable income.

> Interest on your Mortgage

Do you pay on a mortgage for your home? You are able to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage loan. If you own a second home that you utilize for personal use, you can deduct interest you pay on that mortgage as well as your primary home. If you purchased a home with a new loan, points-money paid to attain the loan that you pay to the lender- can be a deduction, even if the points were paid by the seller. Make certain that you have the paperwork that verifies this deduction.

> Medical Costs

Another tax deduction that you can enumerate is medical expenses. A lot of people, though, overlook this deduction since the total medical expenditures have to be a minimum of 7.5 percent of their adjusted gross income. Other than the apparent methods, there are numerous other ways to add to this deduction and possibly attain the minimum ceiling. For instance, insurance payments made from post-tax income can be incorporated. In addition, things like contact lenses and eyeglasses that are not paid for by insurance can be added to your medical deductions.

> Educational Costs

You can utilize educational costs as a deduction if they are associated with your occupation. The education must be used to sustain or advance the proficiency necessary in your current occupation or is necessary to continue your current work, income, or position. The educational expense deduction is limited to 2 percent of your gross income.

> Local and State Taxes

You are allowed to claim state income taxes as a deduction, if your state makes you pay state income tax. Many other taxes are allowed as deductions also. The taxes that you pay on real estate, personal property, investments, and some disability can also be deducted. Sales tax can additionally be deducted.

> Contributions to Charitable Organizations

You most likely already understand that you are able to deduct the amount of any contributions that you made to a charitable association. Donations that are made by cash or check in addition to items that are donated can be included. Did you know that there are some contributions that you don't make in cash that you can deduct also? You are able to take the typical mileage rate deduction of 14 cents per mile if you drove your personal car in order to do volunteer work. If you require a uniform for your volunteer work, you are also able to deduct this cost. If your contribution was over $250, keep in mind, you will be required to have a written statement from the organization.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Raynor Piggush.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.