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Politics & Government

5 Last Minute Deductions Before Tax Day

Monday, April 18 is the last day you can file your income taxes. Check out some deductions that you may not have thought of.

With tax day just a day away, you need all the help you can get. If you haven’t filed yet, take a look at these five tax deductions that people do not realize they can claim.

Education Expenses

For teachers, teacher’s aides, or principals who work with students in grades kindergarten through 12th, you may qualify for a deduction if you spend over $250 on books, supplies and computer equipment. If these materials were purchased in 2010, they can all be written off. It would be considered a work-related education expense.

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Working Deductibles

If you are working and have work-related expenses, they can be considered deductibles. If your company has not reimbursed you for work-related items, you should be able to write them off. Here are a few extra items you want to tell your tax preparer. Those professional organizations with dues and subscriptions can be written off. The extra classes, courses or business trips can also be deducted.

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Charity

Many people think that you must have a specific amount on your receipt in order to get a charitable deduction. As true as that is, when donating clothes, shoes and other items, you can just declare the total worth on your tax return. Keep the receipt in case you are ever audited. You will need proof of your actual contribution. Another tip is you can check out the Salvation Army’s website for how much certain items are worth.

Job Search

For those people who lost their jobs back in 2009, all the money you spent trying to get another job in 2010 can be written off. Those staffing and placement agency fees can be considered deductibles. The resume help, travel expenses (gas included), long distant calls and business meetings are all deductible items.

Tax Preparer

This is one tip people do not always know about. You can deduct costs related to preparing your taxes. These would fall under miscellaneous itemized expenses. Things such as legal and accountant fees are counted as write-offs.

For local help on your taxes, check out , , , or other tax preparation services in our directory.

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