Shannon Harvey Insurance

Tax season is here again and I'm sure you're getting ready to file your tax returns.   

Recently, I came across a list of common deductions and noticed many of them applied to me... some that my tax preparer had never even mentioned.  It made me wonder how much more money I could be getting back if I had only known about this list earlier. 

You want to make sure you get all the money you can get in these tough times.  For more information go www.IRS.gov .... it has a lot of information on new tax laws.  Make the most out of tax season this year and be knowledgeable about your deductions!!

54 Safe and Legal Deductions to Save On Taxes 

1. Cost of having a tax return the previous year.

2. Dues to professional societies and subscriptions to professional journals.

3. Medical insurance premiums.

4. Union dues and expenses.

5. Liquidated damages to a former employer, such as for a broken contract.

6. Gambling losses.  (However, winnings are taxable)

7. Money given to non-profit charities.

8. Cost of uniforms and/or special clothing required on the job.

9. Special shoes required for your job.

10. Special tools, equipment, and supplies necessary for your job.

11. Credit for political contributions.

12. Credit for care of a child or dependent.

13. Earned income credit (for low income workers.)

14. Energy tax credit, for making energy efficiency improvements to home.

15. Charitable gifts such as clothing, furniture, real estate, etc.

16. Doctors, dentists, hospital bills.

17. Cost of prescriptions, drugs.

18. Expenses for eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, contact lenses, etc.

19. Employment agency fee when looking for work.

20. Moving expenses, when necessary for business related reasons.

21. Fees for books, newsletters, seminars, etc., that give tax advice.

22. Upkeep expenses (including laundry, cleaning) for uniforms, work clothes.

23. Protective clothing such as safety shoes & glasses, hard hats, etc.

24. Appraisal fee to determine market value of property claimed as deduction.

25. Home telephone expenses relating to your job, including long distance.

26. Customer entertainment.

27. Professional licenses.

28. Malpractice insurance (as in case of nurses, doctors, etc.)

29. Investment expenses for advice paid to banks, brokers, advisors, etc.

30. Travel expenses to consult with broker, to do investment research, etc.

31. Cost of safety deposit box rental.

32. Cost of preparing, typing, printing, mailing, etc., job resumes.

33. Cost of seminars, books, classes, etc., on how to write a job resume.

34. Travel and transportation expenses necessary for finding new employment.

35. Meal and lodging costs when necessary for finding a new job.

36. Cost of education required by your employer for keeping your job.

37. Cost of education to improve skills required for performing current work.

38. Donations to churches, religious, non-profit organizations.

39. Losses caused by accidents, storms, floods, thefts, etc.

40. Elective surgery such as face-lifts, breast implants, thigh-tapering, etc.

41. Acupuncture.

42. Laetrile, in states where it is legal.

43. Psychiatric and psychological care and treatment.

44. Transportation to and from places for medical examinations, treatments, etc.

45. Sales taxes, including big items such as car, etc.

46. Mortgage interest.

47. Interest on credit card and department store charges.

48. Interest on loan purchases, such as automobile.

49. Closing costs when selling home and moving, for business related reasons.

50. Capital gains and losses.

51. Personal retirement plans such as IRA and Keogh plans.

52. Personal property taxes, state and local taxes.

53. Real estate taxes.

54. Alimony.

This list was accurate at the time of publication.  Be sure to contact your nearest IRS office or your tax preparer for the most recent changes in tax laws.

P.S.  Everyone could use a little more money these days, please feel free to forward these deductions to your family and friends