The end of the year is fast approaching and it is really time to start thinking about saving up money by planning ahead for when your tax return is due. There are things that you can do before this time, and they may actually make a huge difference in whether you will have some spare cash for 2015.  You really need to start considering major deductions and key credits before that time.

Take out your Required Minimum Distributions or RMD. Start withdrawing from your IRA, if you have one, before the year ends. Here is the catch, you have to take out the RMD before April 1st or you can have a huge tax penalty of up to 50% on the amount that you should have taken out. If you have multiple IRA's then it is best if you withdraw from the one that is doing the best.

Start considering Roth Conversions. These are what will save your life, at least when it comes to taxes. Since a Roth IRA is a non-taxable account, you can in fact convert a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, which will help to save you money in the long run.

Time to Maximize Your Retirement Contributions. This means you need to put as much as you can into your 401(k) both this year and next year. You will be able to defer the 401(k) and increase it. Yes, there are limits but if you aren't able to meet the maximum amount, try to contribute enough to receive a full match from your employer.

Itemize what you have. If you have been looking for a new job or have managed to move for a new job, if you itemize on your taxes you will be able to reduce your taxes by claiming resume printing, interview trips, moving expenses and other costs that are associated with a new job.

Charitable donations are your friends. You can donate a lot of different items such as cars, clothes, computers, stock and multiple other investments to any IRS approved charities and this will get you a deduction on your taxes.

Time to see the doctor. You can deduct medical expenses on your taxes, but there is a catch. They have to be 10% of your adjusted gross income or 7.5% if you are over 65. So, make a couple of doctors appointments, see a dentist, have your eyes checked out, buy some glasses and get some prescriptions filled.

Get some help with any college costs. If you happen to be in college or your children are and even if you have taken a special course in order to advance in your job, maximize any large credits. Pay enough fees and tuition to get a maximum credit of $2500 per student with the American Opportunity Credit. So you have maximized the credit this year, wait until 2015 to pay your college bills, if you can and get the maximum next year.

Your home expense will help. If you have a mortgage bill or property tax that you received in January, consider having it paid up by December. You can receive credits up to $500 for having a major environmental improvement such as solar panels placed on your home.

These are just a few tips that you can use to increase your income tax return yearly. There are plenty more out there that you can use, but these are the ones that will help you the most.