Why, I Do Declare!

Caesar was warned about the Ides of March, but I'm starting to think that the Ides of April are more ominous.

Tonight, I have to do my taxes, as if my allergies weren't bad enough. What is it about April that makes it the nicest and cruelest month at the same time?

Of course, if you're like me and are waiting until the last minute to do you taxes, you may want to check out what sort of tax deductions and credits are available to you.

If you replaced your home's windows or added solar panels to your outhouse, there's always the Home Energy Tax Credit, which includes credit for up to 30% of the cost of upgrades up to $1500.

Perhaps you bought a home that already included new windows and a solar-paneled outhouse. In that case, the Home Buyer Tax Credit may be something to check out (it's been extended until June).

The American Opportunity Credit, a new education tax credit, is also available and, of course, charitable donations are always worthy of a tax write-off. So now's your time to give to the Nick Needs A New Guitar Fund. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Another type of deduction to look into is the DotLoop Deduction. This one allows agents to deduct wasted time, wasted paper, and wasted fuel from their everyday real estate transactions, lessening the affects of migraines and traffic jams.

After all, shouldn't your job be less taxing?

Special thanks to Alex Allison for the blog post idea!