tax resources & tips

Don't Procrastinate.  Resist the temptation to put off your taxes until the last minute.  Your haste to meet the filing deadline may cause you to overlook potential sources of tax savings and will likely increase your risk of making an error.

Organize Your Tax Records.  Tax preparation time can be significantly reduced if you develop a system for organizing your records and receipts.  Start with income, deductions or tax credit items from last year's return.

eFile and Have Your Refund Direct Deposited to Your Bank Account.  Another way to speed up your refund and reduce the chance of theft is to have the funds deposited directly to your bank account.  eFile increases accuracy checks and decreases processing and refund times.

Don't Panic if You Can't Pay.  If you can't immediately pay the taxes you owe, consider some stress-reducing alternatives.  You can apply for an IRS installment agreement, suggesting your own monthly payment amount and due date.  You also have various options for charging your balance on a credit card, either as part of an electronic return or directly through a processing  agent, either by phone or online.  Electronic filers with a balance due can file early and authorize the government's financial agent to take the money directly from their checking or savings account on the filing (or extended) due date, with no fee. 

Request a Filing Extension -- But Pay on Time.  If the clock runs out, you can get an automatic six-month extension of time to file, to October 15 (for individuals).  An extension does not give you an extension of time to pay, however, so if you owe tax it's best to pay as much as you can with the extension in order to avoid potential underpayment penalties.