If you make a contribution to a qualified charity for Haiti earthquake relief before March 1st, you can deduct the contribution on your 2009 Schedule A rather than waiting until 2010.  See:   http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=218679,00.html.

Don't forget to claim the new "Making Work Pay" credit by filing a Schedule M and reporting your credit on Line 63 of your Form 1040.  You may be entitled to a tax credit up to $800!  For details, see:  http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=218614,00.html.  You can access the Schedule M at:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sm.pdf.

Own a home but don't itemize?  You can still deduct up to $500 of your real estate taxes in addition to your standard deduction.  Check box 40b on your Form 1040 and attach Schedule L.  You can access the Schedule L at:  http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040sl.pdf.

The new standard mileage rate for business miles driven in 2010 is 50 cents per mile (down from 55 cents per mile in 2009).

To subscribe to my quarterly newsletter full of tax tips, send an email with "Newsletter" in the subject line to Diane@dianeobrienkelly.com.