Time is ticking to make last-minute finacial moves that could save you money come spring. Tara Lynn Wagner offers a few tips for lowering your tax bill in this Money Matters report.

It may seem like ages before you need to think about taxes, but get this: the IRS will start accepting tax returns in less than six weeks. That means if you anticipate a refund, you're that much closer to having it in your pocket.

"Last year, about 70 percent of people received a tax refund, and the average refund was $2,700," says Lisa Greene-Lewis, a CPA and tax expert for TurboTax.

So what can you do now to boost your check later? For one thing, be generous during this season of giving. If you itemize, donations to charity are tax-deductible, as long as you have proof.

"If you make donations, try to make them by check. Keep a copy of your check," says Elizabeth Maresca, clinical professor at Fordham Law School. "Many charities will send you a letter back thank you with the amount of your donation.  You should keep that with your tax things."

The same advice applies when donating items, whether it's a new toy or a used coat.

"Clean out your closets. Donate non-cash goods, like clothing, household goods. Take them to any charitable organization. They will give you an acknowledgement," Greene-Lewis says.

Generosity also pays when showing gratitude to your colleagues or clients.  There's a $25 limit per person, and again, you'll need proof. Plus, it needs to be a business-related gift, not a personal one.  

"So if you have clients and you send them holiday gifts, absolutely, that's deductible," Maresca says. "If you have a party with your friends and you bring a bottle of wine, that wouldn't be deductible."

Finally, Greene-Lewis says give yourself a gift that will pay dividends by contributing to your 401k. You have until December 31 to do it.  

"For 2015, you can contribute up to $18,000, and if you are 50 and over, $24,000," she says. "So that's a great place to start."

Have an IRA?  Contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible, but money placed in a traditional IRA may be, depending on your income and filing status. Plus, you may be eligible for the Saver's Credit, which, again, depends on a number of factors.   

"So it can be up to $1,000 to $2,000," Greene-Lewis says. "And you also get it for contributing to your 401k."

These are just a few tips for lowering your tax bill.  We'll have more in our next money Matters Report.