Charitable contributions. You'll need a record of checks you've written to charities, which are deductible if you itemize. Also look for records of anything you bought to help a charity, such as ingredients for a soup kitchen or mileage for driving you do for a charity (14 cents per mile in 2011).

Child-care expenses. If you pay for child care for a child under age 13 while you work or look for work, then you could qualify for the child-care tax credit, worth 20 to 35 percent of up to $3,000 for the cost of care for one dependent or $6,000 for two or more (both spouses need to work, or one must be a full-time student). Keep records and the tax ID number for care providers. Daycare or preschool, as well as day camp, before-care and after-care, can count toward the credit.

Tuition bills for continuing education classes. Even if you aren't a full-time student or pursuing a degree, you may still qualify for the Lifetime Learning Credit of up to $2,000 per family per year (20 percent of up to $10,000 for tuition, fees, and books). To qualify, your adjusted gross income must be less than $60,000 if single or $120,000 if married filing jointly.