Taxes are due one week from today, on Monday, April 18th.  Before you file, here are seven things you shouldn't even THINK about deducting.

#1)  Your Landline Telephone. Even if you only use it for work, the IRS says the first hard-wired phone in your home is always considered a personal expense.  But you CAN deduct long distance calls as long as they're business-related. 

--And if you install a second landline that's specifically for work, you can deduct the whole thing.

#2)  Commuting Costs. It's tempting, because gas is so expensive now.  But the cost of getting to and from work is never deductible.

--However, if you work at more than one location during the day, you CAN deduct the money you spend getting from one job to the other.

#3)  Your Pet. Believe it or not, people still try to claim their pets as dependents (unsure what number you would put under “Social Security.”.

--But the only time you can deduct costs associated with your pet is if it's a Seeing Eye dog, or you need it for some other medically valid reason . . . like a helper monkey.

#4)  Plastic Surgery. You can only deduct it on your taxes if it's medically prescribed.  For example, if your doctor tells you to get a nose job to treat a respiratory issue, you CAN deduct it on your taxes.

--But if you just wanted fewer chins, you can't.

#5)  Dry Cleaning. You can only deduct dry cleaning costs for a uniform you're required to wear to work.  A suit and tie don't count because you could also wear them when you're not working.

#6)  Time You Spend Volunteering. If you skip a day of work to go and volunteer, you can't write off the money you would have made.  Yes, some people do try.

--What you CAN do is deduct OTHER costs associated with your charity work, like unreimbursed expenses.  And you can also deduct your mileage at a rate of 14 cents per mile if you have to drive to get there.

#7)  Over-the-Counter Medication. You can only deduct it as a medical expense if it's prescribed by your doctor.  But you CAN deduct some over-the-counter tests, including pregnancy tests, and blood sugar tests if you're diabetic.

--And new moms can also deduct supplies used for breastfeeding, including bottles and pumps.

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