10 Most Overlooked Tax Deductions
While most individuals are familiar with common deductions such as home mortgage interest, charitable donations and self-employment expenses, there are many other tax deductions that can lower an outstanding balance or increase a refund. Here are 10 of the most overlooked tax deductions. 
1. State Income Taxes
If you paid a balance due on your state income tax returns last year you can write off those taxes as an itemized deduction. Enter the amount of state and local income tax you paid on Line 5 of Schedule A.
2. Military Homebuyer Credit
Military members qualified to use the First-Time Homebuyers Credit for homes they purchased during the first four months of 2011. If you're a member of the Armed Forces and you purchased a home in early 2011, you may still qualify for the Military Homebuyer Credit on your 2011 return.
3. Section 179 Depreciation
Business owners and self-employed taxpayers who place a new asset in service that has a useful life of less than 20 years have the option to write off all of the depreciation at once in one tax year. This is commonly used for small equipment such as computers and office machines.
4. Travel Expenses
You may be able to write off the cost of gas, airfare and up to 50 percent of your meals on business travel. However, if your employer reimbursed you for those expenses you won't be eligible to claim the deduction.
5. Energy Efficient Home Improvements
Installing energy-saving appliances and modifying home construction to use alternative energy is another way you can reduce your taxes. If you made an energy-saving purchase in 2011, you can write off up to $500 of small adjustments and up to 30 percent of appliances.
6. Refinance Home Points
If you refinanced your home this tax year you can deduct the points you paid to complete the transaction. These points are deducted on Schedule A along with your mortgage interest.
7. Travel for Charitable Organizations
Mileage you accrue while assisting a charitable organization is also deductible. This includes travel to and from the organization's building, job site or drop-off location.
8. Employment Search Expenses
The costs you incurred while searching for a new job may be deductible if you were searching for employment in the same field as your previous job. Qualified expenses include mileage, the cost of printing resumes and fees paid to an employment agency.
9. Moving Expenses
You can also deduct the cost of relocating more than 50 miles for a new job. Eligible expenses include mileage, truck rental and packaging expenses.
10. The American Opportunity Credit
If you went back to school this tax year, you can deduct up to $2,500 of your college tuition and expenses on your return. This credit is refundable, which means you can receive some of it as a refund.
Taking advantage of the 10 most overlooked tax deductions can help you receive a larger refund this year. If you need help determining your eligibility for any of these tax breaks and customized tax planning, contact a tax resolution professional.
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