Because she chose to work at a private Catholic school rather than a public school, a teacher from New York figured she could write off the nearly $20,000 difference in salary as a charitable contribution.

It made sense to her, since she was willing to work for less money in order to help her church.

But her tax preparer, Jeff Gentner, an enrolled agent from Williamsville, N.Y, had to be the bearer of bad news.

"I told her it's redemption versus reduction -- the heavenly rewards will be there, but I can't do anything about the refund," he said.

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