Tax season is never easy. It’s one of those things you dread having to deal with but, hopefully, can also be a time when you get a nice addition to your checking account. If you’re looking for a way to make the tax time of year a little easier, it helps by starting at the end of the last one. It sounds tedious and borderline impossible, but as with most things, the more you do it the easier it gets. Here are three guidelines to help you get a running start on your taxes.
- Save all your tax information in one area- this is something you can do all year long with receipts or proof of charitable donations. As tax season gets closer though, make sure to keep all W-2s, 1099s and last year’s return all together and readily available.
- Decide how you want to get it done- there are multiple options for filing and the best choice depends on the individual. There is software programs out there that can help if you decide to do them yourself or you can hand over all your information, sit back, relax and watch the professionals do their thing.
- Stay on track- it’s easy to start gathering all your information, get frustrated looking for something, then decide to continue another day. Make sure you know how long you have before you have to file taxes or ask for an extension.
