Plan ahead.

[carol b]

Get the most out of filing your tax return. Planning ahead can put some money back in your pocket. The table below is the standard deductions for 2008.

Standard deductions for 2008 Filing Status Amount Married filing jointly $10,900 Singles$5,450 Heads of households$8,000 Married couples filing separately$5,450

You can use this to help you decide which way you want to go. I itemize and it really helps most years. I however let my tax person walk me through which way is going to work best. I want to pay the least amount of tax or get the most back. Check with your tax person and see how you should handle your taxes for the upcoming year.