Re: Not being an American
Savings accounts aren't common? And my checking account gives a little interest, though not much. Those are considered income and therefore have an associated tax form.
Based on a quick Google search, looks like 60-70% of American households are homeowners rather than renters, and most of those will have a mortgage and thus a deduction for mortgage interest.
Charitable donations - depends on your definition of "would really matter". If you're paying 20% in taxes, then $200 in donations (whether cash or goods) would reduce your tax bill by $40.
The car deduction I was referring to was for paying local, county, and state taxes on the vehicle, rather than car loan interest, which is only deductible if it's a business expense.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
