Beware tax break bait and switch

March 11, 2014

100 dollar bill on a fish hook bait and switchWe've all heard the pitch. This tax break will cut your tax bill.

Sometimes, though, great-sounding tax breaks aren't always as advertised. There are requirements you must meet to claim them, such as charitable donations.

Yes, gifts to your favorite charity can be deducted, but only if you itemize on Schedule A. If like most taxpayers you claim the standard deduction, your donations won't do you any tax good.

That's just one of the tax breaks that require you to read the fine print before you claim them. The others are deductible job-search expenses, medical costs, business meals and entertainment and a flexible medical spending account.

Today's Dailly Tax Tip has full details on all five common tax breaks that aren't exactly as they seem on first glance. And if you've missed some previous tips, check out the full March list, as well as the January and February tips, too.

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The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

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We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 26, millions who were expecting refunds filed immediately. Most of us got our returns to the Internal Revenue Service by April 15. But plenty of taxpayers also got extensions. They are looking at an Oct. 15 filing deadline.

Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.

But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.

The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.

And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

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