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TRUSTED ADVICE TO HELP YOU LOWER YOUR TAXES
THE STIMULUS AND TAXES
Your finances could benefit from breaks on home and car purchases, college aid, and taxes.
FIND TAX BREAKS
Find out what breaks to expect and how federal tax law changes could impact tax filings in upcoming years.
PLUS: Where's My Refund?
DO-IT-YOURSELF TAX SAVINGS
Don't wait until you file your return to find ways to lower your tax bill. These moves will help you save throughout the year.
By keeping track of moving expenses, using a Roth to save for your first home and timing your wedding, you can save come tax time.
Reduce the amount you owe to Uncle Sam by adjusting your withholding, switching to a Roth 401(k) and making IRA contributions sooner rather than later.
Take advantage of your flex account, save for college in a 529 plan and hire your children to lower your tax bill.
Stash cash in a self-employed retirement account, be creative with your generosity and think twice about selling stock for a profit if you're subject to the AMT.
Time claiming Social Security benefits, keep careful records of medically necessary improvements to your home or car, and tote up out-of-pocket costs of doing good.
For tax savings, convert a vacation home to your principal residence, give an IRA to charity and double your family's estate-tax break with a by-pass trust.
Roll over an inherited 401(k), help your children earn a credit for retirement savings -- and rack up tax savings in the process.
TAX PLANNING
As your life changes, so does the set of tax rules that affect you. Here are the breaks you're entitled to when you marry, have a child, retire and more.
We'll walk through Form 6251, line by line, and wherever we see a tax-planning opportunity, we will suggest how to lessen the impact of the AMT.
Here's what you need to know about this parallel tax system that's hitting more and more middle-class taxpayers.
Take advantage of deductions for certain types of loan interest.
By setting up a donor-advised fund this year, you may deduct your contribution on your 2009 tax return and take your time deciding how to allocate your gift.
If the recession has left you out of work, take heart: Uncle Sam gives you a break if you've been looking for new employment.
TAX FILING ABCs
We've translated key words so that you can understand not only what they mean but also how they can help you lower your tax bill.
Need professional help with your return? Here's how to find the right person for the job.
Launch a business last year? Took on a little extra work to pad your paycheck? Here's an introduction to Schedule C.
Find more than 100 tax definitions explained in easy-to-understand language that teaches concepts and meanings as well as updated tax laws or rules associated with each term.
Expert Tax Help & Tools
ADVICE: YOUR TAX QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Kevin McCormally and the Kiplinger tax team help you make smart moves to lower your tax bill. 
Use our calculator to see how much money you can add to your next paycheck.
QUIZ: IS IT DEDUCTIBLE?
See if you can identify the legitimate tax write-offs.
Put your concerns to rest. Here's why you may not be at risk and what to expect if you are.
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Top 5: TAX CENTER TOOLS
