I have decided to file my own taxes this year because I don't have my home anymore and have been renting for all of 2000. I am single and have no dependants. My gross income was $31,000

I was calculating the deductions I do have including: Goodwill, church&charity and other miscellaneous deductions. From my calculations, my standard deduction of $4400 is a little more than my itemized deductions. It looks so far that will owe about $1,000.

I am not familiar with many tax laws and don't know if there are any deductions I am entitled to that I am overlooking. I lost $200 on my IRA, made $5 dividend on my stocks and about $500 interest from my money market account.

I just am looking for some advise because I don't really want to pay a tax preparer if I really don't need to, but I want more deductions if I am entitled to them.

Should I just file my form myself with the standard single deduction?

Thanks for your help

Jeff