As many as 2.2 million taxpayers overpaid the government last year. The biggest reason for this extra loss came because of sheer laziness. Standard deductions seemed easier… yet each of these 2.2 million Americans overpaid by an average of $438.

Consider taking the time to itemize this April.

Tip: DOCUMENT RECEIPTS including your real estate tax bill and mortgage interest statements, brokerage statements that show stock losses (like Merck), and receipts from charitable contributions throughout the year. PURCHASE VEHICLES (like a Prius) that qualify as funding tax-advantage savings vehicles instead of fuel guzzlers.