Fiscal cliff looming? Ten tax moves to make now.

Americans are facing an unprecedented tax increase of nearly $500 billion on Jan. 1, 2013, from the so-called "fiscal cliff." Are you ready? Here are 10 year-end tax strategies I recommend:

5. Hold off on charitable contributions until January 2013

Don Ryan/AP/File
In this 2010, file photo, Sonia Joaquin holds a sign to remind passing motorists that Thursday is the deadline for taxes in Tigard, Ore.

In 2008, according to the latest figures from the Internal Revenue Service, Americans claimed about $135-billion in charitable deductions on their tax returns. Many people make the majority of their charitable contributions in December.

The deduction may be more valuable to you in January, if taxes go up.

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