Most middle class people will not use the standard deduction because they use the itemized deduction instead. To increase your itemized deduction, make sure you take advantage of your mortgage interest which is usually very substantial, any property taxes which is also very grand, charitable deductions (this includes cash contributions and noncash contributions), and childcare expenses. This year the Obama administration gives you and extra deduction for a 3rd child and a work credit. If you have a business, you can deduction furniture you turned from personal to business (a certain percentage). If you own a health business and write about eating healthy and use Medifast diet plan and document your journey, you can save taxes and lose weight.