Following one of the worst - if not the worst - housing crisis to ever hit the U.S., relief may be provided to low-income families in certain areas who do not have the financial means to secure a loan for a home or pay for a decent apartment. U.S. Bancorp Community Development Corporation has announced it will control a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit fund for the Google search engine.

Toward the end of summer, homeowners may close up their pool, weed out their garden and start preparations for the fall and winter seasons. In some cases, this may require adding insulation to the attic or putting in new windows. Consumers who plan on sprucing up their home this fall should make sure they consider the tax breaks for which they may be eligible.

When the school year ends, most kids start packing for summer camp - which is becoming increasingly expensive. But some parents may not realize that their child's camp experience may earn them a tax credit during filing season. Similar with most benefits, certain eligibility rules apply, but for parents who spend hundreds on these excursions each year, they may be worth looking into.

According to the latest unemployment rates, the number of jobless Americans remained unchanged at 9.5 percent between June and July. Separate reports reveal that more Americans are facing foreclosure, bankruptcy and significant credit card debt, leaving many individuals seeking out measures to meet their financial obligations. As a result, some have turned to their retirement accounts for relief, despite the tax consequences.

The passing of a loved one can be a devastating and difficult time for families, and dealing with the decedent's estate can be a complicated process for those unfamiliar with tax laws. Those in the legal and tax industries alike recommend that individuals consult with professionals prior to submitting any documents or forms to ensure that they are in compliance with current laws, but understanding the basics may provide some clarification and make the process more simple.

Although April is months away, many tax preparers and financial professionals are encouraging Americans to start preparing during the summertime, which may help them avoid making tiny mistakes or forgetting to claim certain information during filing season. Each consumer will have a different set of priorities and documents they will need to go through, but for the most part, every person may benefit from going over and organizing important paperwork and records to make April 15 an easy day.

Retirement planning can be an exciting, albeit scary, process for many individuals, especially as they start approaching their 50s. While most Americans are familiar with individual retirement and 401k accounts, some are turning toward annuities as a way to guarantee income through retirement. Annuities allow individuals to make a lump-sum investment, which will then be paid out at a later date. These investments also come with tax benefits that make them more desirable to consumers.

The expiration of the homebuyer tax credit - which offered $8,000 for first-time owners and $6,500 for repeat buyers - may have some Americans discouraged about purchasing a home. But individuals who want to take advantage of the current low mortgage rates should keep in mind that buying a house comes with a number of other tax benefits.

College students planning on filing their taxes for the first time may run into some snags if they are unaware of the rules governing summer jobs and working out of their home state, according to Market Watch.

In an effort to help small nonprofit organizations that have not filed their taxes for the past three years maintain their exempt status, the filing deadline has been extended until October 15, 2010.

Some consumers may fill out their tax forms and send them off only to realize later on that they made a mistake. Whether the mistake is due to a credit, deduction, exemption or simply a tiny mathematical error, the tax document can be amended.

Some homeowners struggling under the financial burden of their mortgage may consider a short sale to get out from under debt. This has a been a viable option for millions of Americans, but financial professionals urge consumers to understand the tax implications of this action.

Retirement planning requires a great deal of diligence and savings, but individuals over the age of 50 can use some of their eligible retirement plans to their advantage through the use of catch-up contributions.

Some families may have a child, sibling or parent with a mental or physical disability and are in need of special care. Setting up a special needs trust is an option many individuals choose to create to ensure that their loved one is taken care of financially. These accounts are set up to supplement living expenses and offer a few tax benefits.

In a twist that many Americans are unaware of, some states are allowing traffic law violators to forego their tickets in lieu of making a charitable donation - and reaping the tax benefits.