From childcare to college costs to solar panels, there are some credits you may be able to claim in order to reduce your tax bill. Time Warner Cable News’ Tara Lynn Wagner has more in this Money Matters report.

When it comes to your taxes, we would all like to pay a little less. Deductions help, but CPA Alan Kahn says do not be afraid to take credit where credit is due.

"Credit is great because credit is a dollar for dollar reduction in your taxes," he explains.

One of the largest credits available is the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, worth up to $3,000 for one dependent or up to $6,000 for 2 or more. That can be your child, a disabled spouse or an elderly parent who lives with you and needs to be cared for while you go to work or look for work. Keep in mind, this needs to be a formal arrangement. You will need to provide tax information about the person or institution you hired to provide the care.

"You can't do this under the table. It's got to be above board and you need to provide all of the necessary documentation to the IRS to claim that credit," says Kahn.

The amount you receive depends on your income and that goes for the two education credits as well. The American Opportunity Tax Credit is available during the four years of college and is worth up to $2,500 dollars per student, per year. The Lifetime Learning Credit is worth slightly less but covers more, including graduate studies and continuing education classes. However, be aware, there is no double dipping.

"You can either use one credit or the other.  You can't utilize both and both are subject to income limitations," says Kahn.

If you made your home more energy efficient last year, you might have increased your refund as well. For simpler changes, you may be entitled to a limited credit of up to 10 percent.

"So if you put in new windows, new doors, new insulation you could claim a credit of up to $500," says Kahn.

A big change, like installing solar energy equipment or a wind turbine, can make a big difference on your tax bill.

"30 percent credit - no max,” says Kahn. “So if you spent $30,000 on a solar heating system you can you can obtain a credit of up to $9,000.”

There are actually about 2 dozen tax credits available for individual taxpayers, to offset everything from adoption costs to foreign taxes.  For a complete list, go to irs.gov.