ALL-PURPOSE
1. Taxes paid to a state, local or foreign government, including income taxes, personal property taxes on cars and boats and real estate.
2. Employee contributions to the state disability fund ("SDI" on your pay stub).
3. Contributions to an IRA, Keogh or SEP retirement plan or a medical savings account.
4. Up to $1,500 of student-loan interest.
5. Legal fees related to the collection of income, including alimony.
6. Gambling losses -- up to the amount of your gambling winnings.
CHARITY
7. Fair-market value (i.e., thrift-store prices) of clothing, computers, housewares donated to charity.
8. Appraisal fees for charitable donations or casualty losses.
9. Car expenses (14 cents a mile) and out-of-pocket expenses for volunteer charitable work.
10. A portion of Girl Scout cookies.
BUSINESS
11. Depreciation on business vehicles, including up to $25,000 in one year for sport-utility vehicles that weigh at least 6,001 pounds.
12. Unreimbursed expenses for small rewards or prizes that a boss distributes to boost employee morale, as well as business gifts of $25 or less per recipient.
13. One-hundred percent of your health insurance premiums if you're self-employed (with the remainder deductible on Schedule A if you exceed the 7.5 percent floor on medical deductions.)
14. Vacation, cleaning and laundry costs while traveling on business.
15. Trade or business tools that have a life of one year or less.
16. Half of your self-employment tax.
17. A substantial net operating loss left over from a previous year.
CAREER
18. Costs associated with looking for a new job in your present occupation, including fees for employment-outplacement agencies and resume preparation services. Also, moving expenses related to starting a new job.
19. Subscriptions to professional or trade journals, magazines and newspapers.
20. Labor union dues.
21. Education expenses to maintain or improve skills needed in your current job.
22. Uniforms and work clothes not suitable as ordinary wearing apparel (can also include cleaning costs).
23. Protective clothing such as safety goggles and work gloves.
24. Commuting costs to a temporary workplace.
