Be sure to consult with a tax specialist for specific advice for your situation.

There are five tax benefits for people who care for children, and the definition of a child will be different for each tax benefit. You may claim the Head of Household filing status if you claim a dependent child and you are unmarried. You may claim the child tax credit if the child is age 16 or younger at the end of the year. Among other things, the child must be related to you, and you must provide over half of the child's support. For more tax-themed halloween goodness, check out several posts by James Maule over at Mauled Again. Letting employers extend the amount of time workers have to spend health care money set aside in flexible spending accounts.

Tighter rules for deducting the value of a car donated to charity. For now, you can still use the higher income shelters. Gift and Car Expenses, for the current standard mileage rate. The phase-out range is higher than it used to be years ago too. Be sure to consult with a tax specialist for specific advice for your situation.

Unfortunately, you must meet income eligibility rules to use the exemption. You may claim a child as a dependent if you meet five criteria. One of the most important concerns the alternative minimum tax. Empowering women with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to make smart financial decisions. Tax laws keep changing, but don't be the last to know about them. The temporary easing of the rule was part of the Hurricane Katrina relief bill.