Taxpayers will see some changes while filing their taxes this year.

Tax professionals at Austin's H&R Block Tax office readied for tax season with final federal, state program and instructional workshops.

"There is a new program used for filing every year and the laws are always changing," Warren Smith, master tax advisor, said.

Smith, the H &R Block franchisee, explained some of the more significant changes in filing federal taxes this year.

– Earn Income Credit-changes have been made for those who qualify for it.

– Above the line subtractions for teachers. Teachers will be able to use a maximum of $250 without having to itemized.

– Weight loss deduction. The cost of participating in a weight-loss program can be used as a deduction.

– Savers Credits: Taxpayers can receive credit up to 50 percent for the money put into IRAs, retirement plans and 401ks.

– Rollover plan: Restrictions on rollover plans have been removed. It used to be that people only could transfer from one plan to the same one. For instance someone who had a 401k plan could only roll over to a 401k. But now that the restriction has been removed and there is more flexibility. Smith said people should seek professional advise before rollovers.

– A 529 Plan: It is a plan that allows for saving for college education through TIA-CREF Mutual Fund Company.

– Education Subtraction: This is in addition to the Hope and Lifetime Learning credits.

– Any new depreciable assets bought after Sept. 11, 2001, can receive an additional deduction for depreciation. "If a farmer bought a brand new tractor after Sept. 11, he or she can take an additional 30 percent deduction on top of the yearly percentage deducted. The item must be new," Smith said.

"There is nothing simple about the tax code anymore. Seek a tax professional's expertise," Smith said.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com