Tax Preparation Advice

by M.E. Hansen, All rights reserved. Do not duplicate without permission

Mention the word taxes and many people start sweating . . . The maze of tax forms you must wade through can seem overwhelming, and following the rules can seem impossible. But take heart: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has worked hard (hic) in recent years to try to simplify the process for most taxpayers. Filing incorrectly may bring heavy penalties, so it's important to take advantage of all the help you can get.

You may want to hire a Professional Tax Preparer if you can afford it. Click here to view our tutorial on making that decision. Using a professional can result in thousands of dollars in tax savings and the reassurance that your return should be filed correctly.

Generally, the IRS requires that you file a tax return by April 15 of each year unless you request an extension in writing. Save and categorize all of your deductions throughout the year so you will be organized and ready to file when the time comes. This tutorial will help you decide what tax forms to use and how to fill them out.

Do a Head Count (START HERE)
Choose Your Tax Forms
Gather Income Statements
Prepare Your Tax Return
Avoid Errors
Send Your Tax Return
Tax Return Tips
Tax Help Is Available

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