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Business & Tech

Yes, the IRS Does Tell You How to Cut Your 2011 Taxes

These tips work, but you only have a few days left before the Dec. 31 deadline.

The IRS has some tips that you can use to reduce your 2011 taxes, but most of them need to be done before Jan. 1, 2012, so time is running out. And with the payroll tax cut only being approved for two months, you may need even more money in your tax refund for the family budget.

What follows are abbreviated versions of the tips. Visit the IRS online for all the advice from the tax agency.

1. Make Charitable Contributions – If you itemize deductions, your donations must be made to qualified charities no later than Dec. 31 to be deductible for 2011. You must have a canceled check, a bank statement, credit card statement or a written statement from the charity. Donations charged to a credit card by Dec. 31 are deductible for 2011, even if the bill isn't paid until 2012.

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2. Install Energy-Efficient Home Improvements – You still have time this year to make energy-saving and green-energy home improvements and qualify for either of two home energy credits. Installing energy efficient improvements such as insulation, new windows and water heaters to your main home can provide up to $500 in tax savings.

3. Consider a Portfolio Adjustment – Check your investments for gains and losses and consider sales by Dec. 31. You may normally deduct capital losses up to the amount of capital gains, plus $3,000 from other income.

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4. Contribute the Maximum to Retirement Accounts – Elective deferrals you make to employer-sponsored 401(k) plans or similar workplace retirement programs for 2011 must be made by Dec. 31. However, you have until April 17, 2012, to set up a new IRA or add money to an existing IRA and still have it count for 2011. The Saver’s Credit, also known as the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit, is also available to low-and moderate-income workers who voluntarily contribute to an IRA or workplace retirement plan.

5. Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution – If you are age 70½ or over, the qualified charitable distribution (QCD) allows you to make a distribution paid directly from your individual retirement account to a qualified charity, and exclude the amount from gross income.

6. Don't Overlook the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit – If you are a small employer who pays at least half of your employee health insurance premiums, you may qualify for a tax credit of up to 35 percent of the premiums paid. An employer with fewer than 25 full-time employees who pays an average wage of less than $50,000 a year may qualify.

And here is one final tip to remember: you should always save receipts and records related to your taxes.

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