Since your taxes aren’t due until April 18th, you may be tempted to put it on the backburner for a while. But doing things at the last minute always makes it more stressful. As the clock winds down, you’ll be kicking yourself and wishing you started sooner. Filing as early as possible is just one way to reduce tax-time stress. Here are some other things you can do to protect your sanity and make filing easier.
Get organized ahead of time
The more organized you are, the less you’ll have to scramble when it’s time to file. Our tax prep checklist can help you gather what you need. Hopefully, you’ve already been keeping track of your expenses throughout the year if you plan to itemize. Losing important receipts can cause you to miss out on valuable tax breaks. By now, you should’ve received your W-2, 1099s and other tax documents needed to prepare your return. If you still haven’t received yours, check out “Missing Your W-2? Here’s What to Do“.
Use tax software to e-file
The IRS is still dealing with a major backlog of prior year returns and it is anyone’s guess when they’ll catch up. Sending your return through snail mail will only add to the pile and delay your refund or possibly cause a late payment. The fastest way to get your return in IRS hands is to e-file. Use ezTaxReturn to do your taxes online in English or Spanish. You may even qualify for a FREE federal return. Within 24 hours, you’ll get IRS acceptance, and you won’t have to worry about your taxes again until next year.
Report all your income
It doesn’t matter if you earned money working a traditional job or the gig economy, all income must be reported on your tax return. The IRS receives reports on all the income you earn. When you file, their computer program matches the information to your return to make sure everything has been reported. So it’s in your best interest to be accurate about reporting your income, underreporting can result in penalties.
Double check your work
Math isn’t everyone’s strong suit and that’s okay. Using tax software can reduce tax time stress and mistakes. It can even help you claim tax breaks you may not even know exist. Always double check your entries to make sure they match what’s on your tax documents. You must enter accurate information to get accurate results. Pay special attention to names, social security numbers and banking information.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Don’t gamble with your taxes. If you have a question, it’s better to ask for help rather than play the guessing game. ezTaxReturn filers get FREE customer support. Get the answers you need quickly, so you can finish your taxes stress-free.
If you just want to know your refund status, go to IRS.gov and use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. It’s updated daily, usually overnight, and it can tell you when to expect your money.
Get your refund fast with direct deposit
The fastest way to get your tax refund is to have it direct deposited into your bank account. Most people will receive their refund within 21 days if they file an accurate return. So, do your taxes now at ezTaxReturn. It only takes 30 minutes.
