<prompt> Human: Ill be starting my first FT position and Im trying to get a budget together. I used a take-home calculator for my state IL. Grossing 58k annually, Ill take home about 38600 after federal and state taxes. Being taxed 20k seems extremely high and somewhat unfair considering if this money were coming from dividends or capital gains, the rate would be half that. What are some ways to reduce my tax burden? I wont be married or have any dependents. Also, I do know one way is to have more taken out and put into my 401k. While I do plan on doing this, I would also like additional ways because even if that amount isnt taxed now, it will be later when I take it out for retirement.  <response>: Welcome to the real world. 