It is almost December 31, which means there’s time left to reduce your tax bill. For taxpayers looking for ways to decrease the amount they may owe Uncle Same, here are three surefire options to make that happen. Pay Off 2017 Expenses – According to CBSNews, if you have a mortgage, try to make your January payment now! Or at least make an extra payment by Dec. 31. By doing this, you will have more to deduct for 2016 as long as you itemize your deductions. Lifetime Learning Tax Credit – If you plan on taking a course in 2017, you can register for it now and use the credit on your taxes. Non-students are welcome to use this credit. If you are taking a class at an accredited university and make $65,000 a year or less, you are good to go. Charitable Donations – This should be without saying…make your donations to Goodwill, Salvation Army and such by Dec. 31. Be sure that the organization is a legitimately recognized charity by the IRS and keep a written record of your donation.
