TaxDeductions

If you're trying to save for retirement, a Roth IRA could be one of your most powerful tools. But until recently, high earners couldn't take advantage of these retirement accounts.

In their mad dash toward the Form 1040 finish line, late taxpayers often make costly errors. If you're among those last-minute tax filers, first, take a breath. Then take note of these common filing mistakes to avoid.

Nobody likes paying the IRS, and we all wish there were just a few more deductions we could swing without arousing the taxman's ire. And there are: Here are a few deductions that, while they might seem to be a little out of bounds, are totally legal.

Procrastinating on our taxes until the last minute is as American as apple pie. But before you resign yourself to running out to the post office at 11:59 p.m. on April 17, you should be aware of the benefits of getting your taxes done early.

From hip replacements to pole dancing classes, here are some of the most outlandish deductions taxpayers have ever attempted to claim. You won't believe what these people tried that their accountants said wouldn't fly -- and you really won't believe what did (literally).

It's the nightmare we fear when we file our tax returns: an IRS audit. Huge inconvenience, rejected deductions and a hefty bill. Here are three tales of those who have been under the microscope, and some advice on how to avoid -- or survive -- the tax man's fierce scrutiny.

If you gave money to charity last year, you're in good company. Charities received more than $290 billion in gifts in 2010. But as April 15 approaches, you'll want to know how your giving can score you a bigger tax refund. Here's what you need to know.

Tax reform sounds like a good idea to lots of people, but where to start? Eliminate the popular deduction for home mortgages? End the write-off for charitable contributions? How about expanding the Social Security payroll tax? Not likely. Politicians of all stripes in this presidential election year are clamoring for simplifying the tax code and closing loopholes. But that would mean Americans would lose some of their prized deductions.

As we've struggled with our tax returns, trying to come up with extra deductions, we've all taken a few flights of fancy. Most of us decide not to push our luck. But some people have successfully claimed write-offs for things that most of us wouldn't dream of claiming.

Over the years, taxpayers have concocted a lot of zany arguments to justify tax deductions. We've come up with what we think are the 10 most creative ones that the tax courts decided didn't quite pass muster.