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If it's tax time again and you're already dreading the piles of paperwork you’ll have to go through in order to find out how much you owe, then seeking tax filing help from a reliable source will make the job a bit easier this year. You don't have to look very far to find the help you need. Many resources, including the IRS, provide forms and instructions online. You no longer have to go to the post office or your local tax office for forms and booklets; everything you need is right at your fingertips, only a few clicks of the keyboard away.
Things You Need When Filing Taxes
When you are ready to begin filing your taxes, you will need several things. If you gather these items before you start, it will make the entire process less painful.
Step 1 – Choose a Tax Filing Software
You can choose any tax filing software you wish, but it's probably worth checking out a few customer reviews first to make sure you're getting the most user-friendly and accurate software available. Some types of software simply allow you to interface online while others require you to install a program.
Step 2 – Choosing Your Forms and Filing Status
The vast majority of people who own property, have children, or work full time will complete a form 1040. Only if you make less than a certain amount, can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's taxes, or have other unique situations can you complete the 1040EZ. Once you've chosen your form, you will need to decide if you will be filing jointly if you are married.
Step 3 – Filling in the Information
The tax software will prompt you with questions and request details about your income and expenses for the tax year. It is important that you take your time and complete the information accurately to avoid mistakes in what you owe or will get back. Don't worry -- most of the information you enter for your federal taxes can be transferred into the state tax forms, saving you some work.
Step 4 – Fact Checking
Once you've completed entering all of the information, the software will calculate your return or tell you how much you owe. It will also analyze your return to make sure there are no apparent errors. Once the information is completely reviewed by you, you will have the option to submit it electronically or print, sign, and send it in. Electronic filing can make it possible for you to get your refund within a very short time. If you do owe and cannot afford to pay right away, the IRS does allow you to request an extension for payments.
Things You Need When Filing Taxes
When you are ready to begin filing your taxes, you will need several things. If you gather these items before you start, it will make the entire process less painful.
- Social security numbers for everyone who lived in the household during the tax year.
- W-2 and 1099 statements reporting all of the income you received for the tax year.
- Mortgage and bank documents that report interest paid and earned, property taxes paid, and other details.
- Statements from universities if there was anyone in the household attending college.
- Information or reports concerning unreported, untaxed income.
Step 1 – Choose a Tax Filing Software
You can choose any tax filing software you wish, but it's probably worth checking out a few customer reviews first to make sure you're getting the most user-friendly and accurate software available. Some types of software simply allow you to interface online while others require you to install a program.
Step 2 – Choosing Your Forms and Filing Status
The vast majority of people who own property, have children, or work full time will complete a form 1040. Only if you make less than a certain amount, can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's taxes, or have other unique situations can you complete the 1040EZ. Once you've chosen your form, you will need to decide if you will be filing jointly if you are married.
Step 3 – Filling in the Information
The tax software will prompt you with questions and request details about your income and expenses for the tax year. It is important that you take your time and complete the information accurately to avoid mistakes in what you owe or will get back. Don't worry -- most of the information you enter for your federal taxes can be transferred into the state tax forms, saving you some work.
Step 4 – Fact Checking
Once you've completed entering all of the information, the software will calculate your return or tell you how much you owe. It will also analyze your return to make sure there are no apparent errors. Once the information is completely reviewed by you, you will have the option to submit it electronically or print, sign, and send it in. Electronic filing can make it possible for you to get your refund within a very short time. If you do owe and cannot afford to pay right away, the IRS does allow you to request an extension for payments.
