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Jackson Hewitt's Top 5 Tax Moves To Make By December 31

DETROIT (WWJ) - As December begins and the holiday season and spirit of giving move into full swing, why not make a few tax moves now that could give you added savings when you file your 2011 tax return?

According to Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, year-end is an ideal time to lower your 2011 tax liability and increase the size of your refund when tax time arrives early in 2012.

"There is still time for a final push to claim several tax benefits before 2011 winds to a close," Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc., said in a statement. "In fact, many taxpayers will be doing things like giving to charities and pre-paying January tuition, but the key is knowing how these and other common expenses may count as tax deductions if you qualify."

According to Steber, there are five key considerations taxpayers should be thinking of before December 31 to reduce taxable income and increase deductions or credits to claim:

1. Save more for retirement – By increasing retirement plan contributions, you can reduce your income for tax purposes. Taxpayers can contribute up to $16,500 to a 401(k), 403(b) or Federal Government Thrift Savings Plan; those over age 50 can contribute an additional $5,500.

2. Prepay January payments in December – Taking care of your January mortgage payment, 4th quarter state tax estimate, or winter semester tuition now lets you claim these payments on your 2011 tax return.

3. Get to the doctor! – If you are holding off on a major medical procedure until after the holidays, stop procrastinating and make an appointment now to increase your 2011 medical expense deductions.

4. Give to charity – Giving cash and non-cash donations to charity can give back on your taxes. And volunteering time counts too, which means the more than 80,000 volunteers who lent a helping hand to the Joplin, Mo. tornado victims may be able to deduct their out-of-pocket expenses on a tax return.

5. Save energy, save $500 on your taxes – If you are planning to buy an energy-saving hot water heater or install energy-efficient windows or insulation to your home, do it now. Up to $500 in credit may be available for making energy-related home improvements.

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