Not only are you sure to pay taxes, but tax laws and how they apply to individuals are ever changing and complex issues. Taxes are a necessary evil, there is just no way to get around paying your fair share, however, determining exactly what your fair share is, is the trick. Nobody wants to over pay what they owe. The first and very most important part of determining your deductions is great record keeping. Keep all your receipts and records as this could some day be the determining factor in an audit.

This is meant only as a general guide; as with all the changes in tax laws and deductions, it is always wise to have a professional prepare your taxes to ensure you get all the applicable deductions. Also, in many cases, a preparer will help walk you through any audits that may be done. I believe the services are absolutely invaluable.

Deductions are amounts you have already paid so to speak. Some very common individual deductions are mortgage interest payments, property tax, local and state taxes, charitable contributions, union dues, and medical expenses.

Capital loses are also deducible, as a means of off setting capital gains, as are gambling loses to off set wins. Many people keep much better track of their winnings then their losses, and this can cost you big come tax time.

You are also entitled to a deduction for all minor children in your care, as well as seniors and disabled individuals in your care. Let's say the standard deduction is 1,500, you are entitled to this amount for each individual

Another very important way to ensure you are not over paying is to deduct all work search expenses, meaning moneys spent to secure your employment, these include clothing, gas, moving and any other expenses you incurred to secure employment. Also, once you are employed, you are entitled to deduct any expenses you incur in maintaining your job, such as uniforms, tools equipment, supplies and even parking garage fees.

Let us examine a "year in the life", of an average, newly employed tax payer. Jane was unemployed for the beginning 06. In order for her to seek employment, Jane will need a couple of business suits, these suits are deductible. Now she will need a bus pass to get around, this is also deductible. So that she doesn't miss any potential calls from perspective employers, she gets a cell phone, the basic charge is deductible.

Once Jane found her job, she discovered she would need a few more suits, a laptop computer,

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