how do i maximize my deductions when filing a 1040?

Question

i am single. no dependents. do not own a home or a business. have an illness that kept me out of work on disability for the entire year and I am a part time student.

Answer 1

It's probably unlikely that you have enough deductions to beat the standard deduction. And depending on what type of disability payments you're getting, they might or might not be taxable income, or if it's taxable, it might not be enough to give you any tax liability, so it might not matter. If your disability is taxable, and you have tax liability, look into education credits.

Answer 2

Here's a list you could look through for possible deductions:

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc500.html