Ask a CPA

NO. Funeral expenses, including the funeral, burial or cremation costs, are deductible on the decedent's federal estate tax return, Form 706.

Generally, costs for exercise programs, health clubs, gyms, and weight-loss programs are not deductible unless related to a specific medical condition and recommended by your doctor.

The cost of any medical aids, such as hearing aids and batteries, are deductible as a medical itemized deduction.

Insurance premiums and unreimbursed expenses paid for long-term care are deductible as a medical itemized deduction. There are limitations on the annual insurance premiums paid.
For 2013
If Age 40 or under the maximum allowed deduction is $360
If Age 41-50 the maximum allowed deduction is $680
If Age 51-60 the maximum allowed deduction is $1360
If Age 61-70 the maximum allowed deduction is $3640
If Age 71 or older the maximum allowed deduction is $4550

Taxpayers have an option for this write-off. It is claimed primarily for those who live in states that do not impose an income tax. You must choose between deducting state and local income taxes or state and local sales taxes. For most citizens of income tax states, the income tax is a bigger paid amount than the sales tax, so the income-tax deduction is a better deal.
The IRS has tables that show how much residents of various states can deduct, based on their income and state and local sales tax rates. But if you purchased a vehicle, boat or airplane, you get to add the sales tax you paid to the amount shown in the IRS table for your state.
Taxpayers can elect to deduct state and local general sales taxes, instead of state and local income taxes, as an itemized deduction on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions.

No. Under current law these withholding deductions are not deductible.

Parking or speeding tickets are not deductible.

Personal property taxes based on the value of your house and imposed on a yearly basis are deductible as an itemized deduction. Personal property taxes based on some other criteria, such as weight or size of a car, are not deductible.

No. Credit card interest and other personal interest, such as interest on car loans, personal purchases and home equity debt over $100,000, are not deductible.

The $2,500 maximum deduction for interest paid on student loans begins to phase out for a married taxpayers filing a joint returns at $125,000 and phases out completely at $155,000,
For single taxpayers, the phase out range is between $60,000-$75,000 .
If the following 5 criteria apply, then up to $2500 is deductible, Your filing status is not "married filing separately";
You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else's return such as your parents;
You paid interest on a qualified student loan; The payments were during the first 60 months that payments were required to be made;
Your modified income was less than the specific amounts ($150,000 filing status married filing joint and $75,000 single, H of H and qualifying widower). For filing status married filing joint MAGI of $120,000 through $150,000, a phase-out occurs and more than $150,000 no deduction is allowed.
For filing status not married filing joint MAGI of $60,000 through $75,000, a phase-out occurs and more than $75,000 no deduction is allowed.