Tax Preparation Guide OverviewDo-it-yourself or hire help? Software or pencil? E-file or mail? Year-round organization or last second chaos? 1040EZ or 1040? Complex tax preparation questions abound, but simple solutions seem scarce. Rest easy, with planning and guidance, the annual dance with the IRS can be a graceful waltz. OK, maybe it is more like an awkward teenage dance full of sweat and uncertainty, where we survive to dance another day. The Moneysmartz Tax Preparation category offers a quick and painless introduction to online encyclopedias, tax software providers, tax portals, online tax preparation tools, e-file sites, and last, and maybe least, the Internal Revenue Service.
Navigation Tips
- Learn about dreaded forms and terminology. There is only one choice, so don't be afraid to visit the IRS Forms and Publications page and the IRS home page.
- Determine the how and who of taxes. If you plan to go it alone, then tax preparation software, including Tax Cut, TaxACT, or Turbo Tax, will save time and maybe even help lower your tax bill. If you need assistance from a tax preparation professional, get a referral for a local provider from a trusted friend or local business. There are many good local accountants and tax preparation firms. To get the best results, stick with one provider and develop a long-term relationship. If you do not know where to start, try a national firm like H&R Block.
- File with the IRS. Before mailing your forms, visit the IRS E-File page with information about how to file electronically.
- Develop an annual process for gathering and organizing tax related receipts and documents. Find a shoe box or file and collect all tax related information during the year. Over time, you will find what works best for you, so just start doing something.
- Try not taking tax preparation too seriously. For comic relief and learning at the same time, visit Digits from H&R Block.
| Website Listings
- H&R Block TaxCut Basic is now free -
H&R Block is now offering TaxCut Basic for the low, low price of FREE for all those late tax filers among us:
http://hrblock.com/cmpgn/online/free_online_lp.html
In addition, anyone that files with TaxCut is automatically entered to win a free Cancun vacation: http://www.facebook.com/HRBlockonline
http://hrblock.com/cmpgn/online/free_online_lp.html Source Profile, Reviews and Listings
Blog, Video, Podcast, and Columnist Listings
- TaxProf Blog -
A blend of reference tools and announcements about developing tax issues targeting tax professors but with applicability to individuals looking for current news and information about tax law changes on topics such as mortgage interest deductions and tax s
http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/ Source Profile, Reviews, and Listings
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