Every year, the federal government collects over three trillion dollars in taxes. By lowering your taxable income, you can keep more money in your pocket. Here are five of the best strategies to legally cheat your tax bracket. If you're considering saying "I do" to your significant other, know that filing jointly could save you some cash for the 2017 tax season. You can deduct twelve thousand seven hundred dollars from your total combined incomes, compared to just over six thousand off your individual incomes. This can result in a lower tax rate, especially if one spouse makes less than the other. Contributing to a 401k isn't just saving for the future, it's also helping lower your taxable income today. For example, if you have a salary of $40,000 and put $3,000 of it in a 401k, your taxable income is now $37,000, which puts you in a lower tax bracket. If you're feeling generous, know that donations to qualifying charities are tax-deductible. Keep in mind that the amount of your combined write-offs must be greater than your standard deduction. So, a ten dollar donation to your favorite animal shelter likely won't make a dent in reducing your taxable income. If you pay for college or university tuition, you could be entitled to a sizeable tax break of up to four thousand dollars. You can also write off related expenses like student fees and books. And if you're out of school, there's a special deduction for paying interest on a student loan that could reduce your income by more than two thousand dollars. Being unemployed can come with certain tax perks. As long as you are looking for work in your current field, you may be able to write off travel expenses, resume preparation, and job placement fees. For more tax tips, visit NGO banking rates...