We might be able to shave off some of that IRS bill, however, by making sure we take every tax deduction, credit or other income adjustment possible.
Here are 10 tax breaks -- some for itemizers only, others that any filer can claim -- that often get overlooked but that might save you some tax dollars.
1. Additional charitable gifts
Everyone knows that giving to your favorite charity is good for your soul, good for the organization and good for your taxes if you itemize. But some charitable gifts never get counted on many tax returns. These are expenses you incur doing charitable work.
You can't deduct the value of your time spent volunteering, but if you buy supplies for a group, the cost of that material is deductible. Similarly, if you wear a uniform in doing your good deeds, for example as a hospital volunteer or youth group leader, the costs of that apparel and any cleaning bills can also be counted as charitable donations.
The use of your vehicle for charitable purposes can also be deducted. "If you use your car in performance of providing charity services, you can deduct 14 cents per mile plus parking or toll fees you may have paid," says Bob D. Scharin, senior tax analyst from the Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters. This includes such things as delivering meals to the homebound in your community or taking the Scout troop on an outing, while of course wearing your freshly cleaned uniform.
