My personal tip: read the fine print on your dues. MAA dues can be deducted either as a professional expense or as a (smaller) charitable contribution. If you itemize but don't have enough professional expenses (I think you need at exceed 2% of your income), count the smaller amount as a charitable contribution. And all of those extra amounts that you may pay on dues most (Epsilon Fund, Annual Fund, and the like) are charitable contributions. Even if you don't have a mortgage, look into itemizing. If you pay enough in state taxes or other property taxes (especially if your state taxes a car as if it were property), you may be able to itemize and increase your deductible.