Now that tax season is over, did you have to pay taxes instead of getting a refund? You’re definitely not alone, and there will probably be a repeat performance next year.

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting a refund, and you don’t have to be a tax accountant to take advantage of these deductions. The key is to start planning now and not wait until the end of the year. Below is a list of what you need to do.

Contribute to a 401K or IRA

Most people think that the only reason to contribute to a retirement fund is to ensure financial independence as you age, but it can also have short-term tax benefits. Most of the time, the money you put into your 401K and IRA is tax deductible and not included in your taxable income.

Donate to a charity

Charitable donations or volunteer-related expenses can be itemized and deducted from your income at tax time. Just remember to save all receipts and keep track of all the miles you travel on behalf of a charity or the organization you volunteer for. These miles will be deductible at 14 cents per mile for 2018.

Buy a primary residence

There is a clear tax benefit to owning a home. The interest you pay on your mortgage is tax deductible. For the first few years, your mortgage payments go toward interest, which will dramatically lower your adjusted gross income at tax time. Consider paying your January 2019 mortgage payment in December for the maximum tax benefit in April.

Invest in Solar Energy

If you’re making a home improvement list, consider adding solar panels to that list. Solar will earn homeowners up to 30% of their installation costs in tax credits. I would hurry because those credits will decrease after 2019.

Claim Education Credits

Student loan interest and/or tuition can be used as a tax deduction. Current students can also access the American Opportunity Credit, which covers up to $2,500 per year for four years, and the Lifetime Learning Credit, which can cover up to $2,000 per tax return.

start a home business

Starting and maintaining a home-based business will give you a new source of income, but more importantly, it will allow you to deduct all income generated by the business. These specific deductions can include business expenses, portions of your mortgage, utilities, repairs, and even start-up business costs.

Medical or Dental Expenses

Many of your medical and dental expenses are tax deductible, as are transportation and parking costs.

Open a flexible spending plan

Many employers offer flexible spending plans that will allow their employees to contribute to their annual medical expenses. These medical contributions generally do not count toward taxable income.

Job search

If you are looking for a new job next year, remember that you can write off some of the expenses associated with looking for a new job. These cancellations include clothes, trips, food, etc. And these expenses are deductible even if no employment is found within the tax year.

Make estimated payments

As they say, the best defense is a good offense. If you are concerned that your deductions will not adequately cover you during the tax year, it will be to your advantage to make quarterly payments that you and your tax accountant believe will cover your income that is not subject to tax withholding.

start a family

Child tax credits are still included in the new tax reform bill. In fact, they have increased from $1,000 per child to $2,000.

Find all available tax credits

We have mentioned many tax credits in this article, but there are many more that can be used. Some of these include child care costs for low-income households and adoption. Keep in mind that tax credits are more valuable than simple deductions because they can reduce your taxable income dollar for dollar.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which was signed into law in December, provided a major overhaul of previous tax law. This law will affect your tax planning for 2018, so it will be important to have a professional do your taxes. No matter how much you think you know or how much research you do, a professional will be able to identify those deductions and tax credits that will work for you. A professional will also help you stay organized and minimize your tax liability.

Remember, be a smart taxpayer and learn how to earn money on your taxes.