Tax Day is fast approaching, and if you're like many tax procrastinators, you haven't even started doing your taxes yet. If that's the case, you'll have to cram your tax knowledge - and fast. Each year, there are changes to the tax code that alters how much we pay to - or get back from - the IRS.

Last year was no different. Some stimulus programs and tax code changes made during the recession were extended into the 2010 tax year, while other tax code perks implemented in 2009 expired last year. That is in addition to the annual increases in some tax deduction amounts to account for inflation.

Here are 25 tax changes that you should know about before filing your 2010 tax return.

Content provided by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the IRS, and Boston.com Staff.