1.
Start gathering your records Round up any documents or
forms you'll need when filing your taxes: receipts, canceled checks and other
documents that support income or deductions you're claiming on your return.
2.
Be on the lookout W-2s and 1099s will be
coming soon; you'll need these to file your tax return.
3.
Use Free File: Let Free File do the hard work for you with
brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It's available exclusively at
http://www.irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return
and e-file it for free. If you made $58,000 or less, you qualify for free tax
software that is offered through a private-public partnership with
manufacturers. If you made more or are comfortable preparing your own tax
return, there's Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic versions of IRS paper
forms. Visit
www.irs.gov/freefile to review your options.
4.
Try IRS e-file: After 21 years, IRS e-file has become the safe,
easy and most common way to file a tax return. Last year, 70 percent of
taxpayers - 99 million people - used IRS e-file. Starting in 2011, many tax
preparers will be required to use e-file and will explain your filing options to
you. This is your chance to give it a try. IRS e-file is approaching 1 billion
returns processed safely and securely. If you owe taxes, you have payment
options to file immediately and pay by the tax deadline. Best of all, combine
e-file with direct deposit and you get your refund in as few as 10 days.
5.
Consider other filing options There are many different
options for filing your tax return.You can prepare it yourself or go to a tax
preparer.You may be eligible for free face-to-face help at an IRS office or
volunteer site.Give yourself time to weigh all the different options and find
the one that best suits your needs.
6.
Consider Direct Deposit If you elect to have your
refund directly deposited into your bank account, you'll receive it faster than
waiting for a paper check.
7.
Visit the IRS website again and again
The official IRS website is a great place to find everything you'll need to file
your tax return: forms, publications, tips, answers to frequently asked
questions and updates on tax law changes.
8.
Remember this number: 17 Check out IRS Publication
17, Your Federal Income Tax on the IRS website. It's a comprehensive collection
of information for taxpayers highlighting everything you'll need to know when
filing your return.
9.
Review! Review! Review!Don't rush. We all make
mistakes when we 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.
10.
Don't panic! If you run into a problem, remember the IRS is
here to help. Try
http://www.irs.gov or call toll-free at 800-829-1040.
Links:
