The tax season deadline is the last thing most of us want to think about during the holidays. While April 15 may seem a long way off, now is the time to make sure you have taken advantage of the tax breaks available to you in 2008, according to Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA).

Many opportunities to reduce your tax bill will expire once 2009 begins. With that deadline in mind, here are some tax breaks you should not miss.

MAXIMIZE YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS

If you have not made the most of all your tax-advantaged retirement account opportunities this year, you should start now.

For example, if your company offers a 401(k) plan, your salary contributions to the plan allow you to defer tax on that salary until withdrawals are made. If no 401(k) plan is available to you, check out other tax-advantaged options, such as individual retirement accounts (IRA) and Roth IRAs. Although you have until April 15, 2009, to make your 2008 IRA contribution, it is a good idea to contribute as much as the rules allow to these accounts before the year ends. This step should be a top priority because it helps you to accumulate a larger nest egg for your retirement while offering valuable tax breaks.

MAKE YOUR CHARITABLE DONATIONS

If you plan on giving a gift of cash or goods to charity, make sure you do it before Dec. 31. If you itemize, you can deduct your donation on your 2008 tax return, racking up another chance to reduce your tax bill. So if you have an urge to do good, act on it before the year ends.

TAKE YOUR LOSSES

This has been a tough year in the stock market. If you have incurred losses on individual stocks, mutual funds, or other investments that are not in a retirement account, you should consider your options. You can either hold on to what you own in hope that its value will rise in the future or sell it and take a loss on the investment. If you choose to sell, you can deduct up to $3,000 in capital losses against your 2008 gross income when you file your tax return. If your loss is greater than $3,000, you can deduct the excess amount from income in future years.

Remember that selling might not necessarily be the right choice if you believe that your investment will increase in value in the future. It is a good idea to consult your CPA about this decision, because the best step may be different for each investment. But it is encouraging that even a losing investment can offer benefits if you choose to sell it before the end of the year.

GET ORGANIZED

Instead of scrambling to find your paperwork during tax season, take some time now to sort through your files so your documents are in the right order and easy to locate when you need them.

This step will not guarantee you any particular tax breaks, but it will make it easier to make sense of your financial situation when it is time to file your return. It will also improve the likelihood that you will be prepared to claim the deductions you deserve.

YOUR CPA CAN HELP

Even though it is already December, following the steps above could still help you lower your tax bill for 2008. If you have questions about the best options for you and your family, you should turn to your local CPA for the answers. He or she can simplify complicated decisions and offer the advice you need. To find a CPA in your area, visit www.IneedaCPA.org.

Source:  Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants  http://www.picpa.org