Tip 1: Not everybody files a return. What are the rules?

Three things must be considered when determining whether you have to file a return: your age, your filing status and your income. Generally, once you reach a certain income level, the law requires you to file. The amounts are adjusted annually for inflation. More Details

Tip 2: Which tax return form should you use?

You should use the simplest tax return you can, especially if you're still filling out your forms by hand. But choose carefully. The differences in these returns could cost you if you're not paying attention. More Details

Tip 3: Filing status makes a difference in your tax bill

What you ultimately have to pay the Internal Revenue Service rests in large part on your filing status. There are five official choices. More Details

Tip 4: Properly defined dependents can pay off

Dependent claims aren't limited to parents. An adult relative could qualify as a taxpayer's dependent as long as he or she meets certain Internal Revenue Service conditions. More Details

Tip 5: Tax help in caring for your aging parent

Millions of adult children find themselves looking after aging parents. Tax laws offer some help, as long as you and your folks meet the criteria. More Details

Tip 6: Make sure your children are a tax credit to you

On 2006 returns, the child credit could cut a parent's tax bill by $1,000. This same savings-per-child amount will continue through 2010. More Details

Tip 7: Ways to electronically file your return

More than 70 million taxpayers electronically filed returns last year. It was another e-filing record and the computer-relayed returns accounted for well more than half of the total 1040s the IRS received in 2006. More Details

Tip 8: Your online tax-paying options

The IRS is working to convince taxpayers that they should go the electronic route when it comes to paying up. More Details

Tip 9: Don't overlook tax break of mortgage points

Many homeowners overlook the tax break available for points paid to get a home loan. In some cases, points also could shave tax bills for folks who refinanced or got an equity loan or line of credit. More Details

Tip 10: Choose best deduction method for your situation

The Internal Revenue Service says most taxpayers use the standard deduction. The amount is different for each filing status and is higher for blind taxpayers and those age 65 or older. More Details

Tip 11: Tax breaks for gas savers

Green could have a double meaning for environmentally conscious motorists at tax time. Buyers of an alternative-fuel vehicle could find themselves saving money at tax-filing time. More Details

Tip 12: Tax statements you'll need to file your return

Employers, banks, stockbrokers and other institutions and agencies that were involved in taxpayers' financial lives have, by law, until Jan. 31 to get their annual tax statements in the mail to taxpayers. More Details

Tip 13: Taxable vs. nontaxable income

There's not much the Internal Revenue Service doesn't consider taxable income, including salaries, wages, tips, commissions, interest and dividends and rent on property you lease. But there is much more to consider. More Details

Tip 14: Long-distance phone tax credit available

The Internal Revenue Service has decided to stop collecting the federal excise tax on long-distance phone calls. More Details

Tip 15: Tax breaks for casualty, disaster victims

You can count unforeseen casualty losses as itemized deductions. Of course, you have to fill out extra paperwork and keep good records. And you won't recover dollar for dollar the financial loss you suffered. More Details

Tip 16: Reporting gambling winnings, deducting losses

Taxes must be paid on all gambling winnings. And if you lost a few rounds before your numbers came up, there's a way you can turn those losses to your tax advantage. More Details

Tip 17: Maximizing your medical deductions

The Internal Revenue Service lets you deduct medical costs as long as they are more than 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. More Details

Tip 18: Job hunting could help cut your taxes

Looking for a new job might help you cut your tax bill. Under certain circumstances, job-hunting expenses are tax-deductible. More Details

Tip 19: A tax-deduction apple for teachers

Teachers and other educators can deduct up to $250 that they spent last year to buy classroom supplies. More Details

Tip 20: When hobby becomes business, tax breaks follow

Hobbies provide a great way to relax from the daily grind. For many people, they also offer a way to make extra spending money.

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Tip 21: Special deductions for elderly and blind filers

The Internal Revenue Service has special, higher standard-deduction amounts for taxpayers age 65 or older. In addition, there is a similar break for the blind, regardless of age. More Details

Tip 22: Make itemized deductions worth a 'bunch' more

The problem: Your costs regularly fall just short of the income thresholds they must meet in some deduction categories. Get around this tax-reduction roadblock by bunching your expenses. More Details

Tip 23: Some taxes are useful in reducing your IRS bill

By itemizing deductions, you can subtract many non-federal taxes you pay from your federal income. More Details

Tip 24: Work from home? Deduct your home office

Whether you are self-employed or an employee, if you use a portion of your home for business, you might be able to deduct the associated costs. More Details