For more tax breaks, consider filing a more detailed return. It may take a bit longer, but Form 1040A provides nine possible chances to reduce taxes. It's almost double that with the longer Form 1040 . Both longer 1040s offer adjustments to income, rather than deductions. Like deductions, they reduce taxable income.
Less income equals less tax.
The only downside is that some adjustments require completion of another form or worksheet. These longer returns also provide more tax credits that, like deductions, can help reduce what you owe. The added beauty of credits is that they slice your tax bill after you've already figured what you owe. The easiest way to reduce tax bills is to reduce income. Rather than turning down your next raise, try taking some of the income adjustments the IRS offers to filers of forms 1040A or 1040.