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Jackson Hewitt's Top 5 Tax Moves to Make by December 31

"There is still time for a final push to claim several tax benefits before 2011 winds to a close," said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. "In fact, many taxpayers will be doing things like giving to charities and pre-paying January tuition, but the key is knowing how these and other common expenses may count as tax deductions if you qualify."

According to Steber, there are five key considerations taxpayers should be thinking of before December 31 to reduce taxable income and increase deductions or credits to claim:

    1. Save energy, save $500 on your taxes - If you are planning to buy an
       energy saving hot water heater or install energy efficient windows or
       insulation to your home, do it now.  Up to $500 in credit may be
       available for making energy-related home improvements.
    2. Give to charity - Giving cash and non-cash donations to charity can give
       back on your taxes. And volunteering time counts too, which means the
       more than 80,000 volunteers who lent a helping hand to the Joplin, Mo.
       tornado victims may be able to deduct their out-of-pocket expenses on a
       tax return.
    3. Get to the doctor! - If you are holding off on a major medical procedure
       until after the holidays, stop procrastinating and make an appointment
       now to increase your 2011 medical expense deductions.
    4. Prepay January payments in December - Taking care of your January
       mortgage payment, 4th quarter state tax estimate, or winter semester
       tuition now lets you claim these payments on your 2011 tax return.
    5. Save more for retirement - By increasing retirement plan contributions,
       you can reduce your income for tax purposes. Taxpayers can contribute up
       to $16,500 to a 401(k), 403(b) or Federal Government Thrift Savings Plan;
       those over age 50 can contribute an additional $5,500.

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Based in Parsippany, NJ, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is an industry-leading provider of full service individual federal and state income tax preparation, with franchised and company-owned office locations throughout the United States. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(® )also offers an online tax preparation product at www.jacksonhewittonline.com. For more information, or to locate the Jackson Hewitt(®) office nearest to you, visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1-800-234-1040. Jackson Hewitt can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

    Contacts:

    David G. Weselcouch             Melissa Connerton
    Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. CooperKatz & Company
    (973) 630-0809                  (917) 595-3039
    david.weselcouch@jtax.com       mconnerton@cooperkatz.com

SOURCE Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.