posted
on Thursday, February 6, 2020
in
Education
The income tax filing season has begun and important tax documents should be arriving in your mailbox. Although your return is not due until April 15, you can make tax time easier on yourself with an early start. Here are some tips to help your tax preparation go smoothly.
Create a system for organizing tax documents as they arrive.
There is nothing worse than sitting down to finally do your taxes and realizing that you can't find an important document. A little organization from the get-go is all you need to avoid that situation. Your system can be as simple as a large envelope or an accordion file. Just designate a specific spot, and make sure that everyone in the house knows about it.
Review your tax documents early.
As tax documents show up, don't just stuff them into your great new organization system. Take a moment to review each document as it arrives so you can correct any discrepancies well before you start preparing your return. If there is a mistake, getting a corrected form can take time, so don't wait until you are down to the wire on your filing deadline.
Gather your tax information now.
There's no reason to wait until the heat of the battle to start organizing the tax information you already have. Even before you receive a single tax document, here's how you can get a head start:
- Make a list of all your 2019 tax payments and tax refunds
- Gather all your receipts that have piled up throughout the year
- Comb through your credit card bills and checkbook to look for possible deductions
- Tally up charitable donations
Decide whether you are going to prepare your own taxes or hire a pro.
There are many different options for filing your tax return. Give yourself time to weigh all the options and find the one that best suits your needs. If you think your tax return will be too complicated to prepare yourself and you hire a professional, make your appointment early. If you are going to do your taxes yourself, decide whether you are going to use tax software. If so, you can get ahead of the game by purchasing your tax software now. Tax software can help you find every deduction to which you are entitled and helps you avoid common mistakes, such as simple math errors.
Consider direct deposit.
If you elect to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account, you’ll receive it faster than a paper check in the mail.
Review, Review, Review.
Don't rush. Mistakes will slow down the processing of your return. Be sure to double check all the Social Security Numbers and math calculations on your return, as these are the most common errors made by taxpayers.
Don't panic!
If you run into a problem, remember the IRS is available to help. Use the Interactive Tax Assistant available at www.irs.gov to find answers to your tax questions or call toll-free (800) 829-1040.