2009 Tax Break #1: Extra Standard Deductions for Non-Itemizers

If you don't itemize deductions, you may still be entitled to some unexpectedly juicy extra write-offs. They come in the form of additional standard deduction amounts that get piled on top of your "regular" standard deduction, which is $5,700 for singles, $11,400 for married joint-filing couples, and $8,350 for heads of households. Since these extra standard deductions are new (or newish), you might not know about them. Here's the deal:

• You can claim an additional standard deduction of up to $500 for state and local real property taxes, or up to $1,000 if you're a married joint filer. The extra deduction cannot exceed the real estate taxes you actually paid last year.

• You can claim an additional standard deduction for state and local sales and excise taxes on the purchase of a qualifying new vehicle purchased between Feb. 17, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009. You can only count taxes on the first $49,500 of a vehicle's purchase price, but you can benefit more than once if you bought more than one vehicle during the window period. (This break is phased out if your income is too high.)

• You can claim an additional standard deduction for personal casualty losses in federally designated disaster areas.

To cash in on any or all of these breaks, fill out the brand-new Schedule L (Standard Deduction for Certain Filers) and attach it to your return. Check the box on line 40b of Form 1040 and include the extra standard deduction amount(s), along with your "regular" standard deduction, on line 40a.