• Personal incomes taxes cost many workers a quarter of their income or more. Tax write-offs, also called tax deductions, are expenses that the government allows workers to subtract from their taxable income, effectively reducing the pool of income that is subject to tax. Taxpayers have the option of choosing a standard tax deduction based on their filing status or using itemized tax deductions. If the sum of all eligible itemized deductions exceeds the standard deduction, you may save money by claiming write-offs.
  
  

Charitable Contributions

• Charitable contributions are one of the most common and important tax deductions. When you give donations to causes such as the Red Cross, a church, synagogue or other charity, the amount donated is deductible as an itemized deduction. This essentially means that any money you give to charity is given at a discounted rate, since it reduces your taxable income. For workers with very high income, donations will result in more tax savings, since they will be subject to a higher income tax rate. According to MSN, non-cash charitable contributions, such as clothing donations to Goodwill, are also tax deductible. When making non-cash contributions, try to get a receipt from the charity that documents the value of the goods given so that you can claim the deduction and prove that the goods were donated.
  
  

Mortgage Interest

• The interest you pay toward a home mortgage may be tax deductible. This can be a significant tax deduction, as mortgage payments can amount to thousands of dollars, and interest can easily make up half the money paid. Second homes or vacation homes are also eligible for mortgage interest deduction as long as the property is used to secure the loan and the property has normal home amenities like a sleeping area, bathroom and kitchen. Only one second home is eligible for an interest deduction.
  
  

Business Deductions

• Certain expenses associated with a personal business are tax deductible. For instance, if you work out of a home office, you may be able to deduct the cost of the home office space. Travel costs, car usage and entertainment expenses associated with a business may also be tax deductible. If you own your own business, it may be worth hiring a tax professional to help you claim all of the deductions you qualify for to ensure that you save as much as possible.
  
  

Other Expenses

• There are many other expenses that can potentially be tax write-offs. Money paid toward health insurance premiums may be tax deductible. Losses you suffer due to casualty, theft, gambling and disasters may also be tax deductible. Other miscellaneous expenses that may be tax deductible include job search expenses, occupational taxes, tools used for your work, investment losses and tax advice fees.