tax saving tips

Tax season has arrived, which means it is time to play the tax game. Whether you are preparing your taxes yourself (applause for you) or hiring a professional to help you file (that’s okay too), you need to be apprised of all the tax benefits you can take advantage of to keep every single penny you deserve and win.

With the help of Maggie Doedtman, Manager of Advice Delivery at tax aid powerhouse H&R Block, we handpicked the benefits that will keep your hard-earned cash in your pockets. Here are our tax tips.
 
Hypochondriacs, rejoice.
Trips to the doctor’s office and pharmacy that are not payable by insurance can save you money in the tax game. Just any kind of doctor? “Any licensed medical professional treating you for a medical condition is the general rule,” states Doedtman. Psychiatrists, dentists, medical specialists, even dermatologists fit the bill just as long they are treating you for a medical condition (no, you can’t write off your nose job, unless you needed it for sinus reasons). What’s more, you can write off medicine prescribed by your deductible doctor—over-the-counter drugs are not an option with the exception of insulin.

As if that wasn’t enough to make you happy (and healthy), peep this tax tip—you can actually deduct your commute to the doctor’s office and pharmacy she is directing you to. Be diligent about jotting down your mileage because 18 cents a mile just to stay healthy should never be disregarded.

Make sure you remember to write off your health insurance premiums, and prescription eyeglasses, contacts and hearing aids if you’re hard of seeing or hearing.