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Do you need tax preparation help? Filing taxes does not have to be complicated. Here are step-by-step guidelines that can help you make sure your taxes are done correctly.
Step 1 - Gather Your Records
Whether you are doing taxes alone or paying for professional tax preparation help, you will need your income records. This usually means a W-2 if you are an employee, or 1099 if you are self-employed. You will also need records of any other income you acquired throughout the year and receipts and proof of any expenses that you plan to itemize.
Step 2 - Print the Proper Forms or use Tax Software
Buy software such as TurboTax, H&R Block Tax Cut, or TaxACT. If you prefer to work with pencil and paper, you can print the form 1040 and other forms such as a Schedule A (for itemized deductions) and a Schedule C (Profit and Loss from business) from the Internal Revenue Service website: www.irs.gov. You will also need a calculator and an eraser.
Step 3 - Read and Follow All Instructions
Take your time and read each detailed instruction carefully. Fill in all of the applicable fields slowly and accurately.
Step 4 - Check the Math
Review your return carefully. Recalculate any math that was done and double check your W-2, 1099 and other records to ensure that the numbers match.
Step 5 - Get a Second Look
Have someone else look over your return before you file. Getting professional tax preparation help can improve accuracy.
Step 1 - Gather Your Records
Whether you are doing taxes alone or paying for professional tax preparation help, you will need your income records. This usually means a W-2 if you are an employee, or 1099 if you are self-employed. You will also need records of any other income you acquired throughout the year and receipts and proof of any expenses that you plan to itemize.
Step 2 - Print the Proper Forms or use Tax Software
Buy software such as TurboTax, H&R Block Tax Cut, or TaxACT. If you prefer to work with pencil and paper, you can print the form 1040 and other forms such as a Schedule A (for itemized deductions) and a Schedule C (Profit and Loss from business) from the Internal Revenue Service website: www.irs.gov. You will also need a calculator and an eraser.
Step 3 - Read and Follow All Instructions
Take your time and read each detailed instruction carefully. Fill in all of the applicable fields slowly and accurately.
Step 4 - Check the Math
Review your return carefully. Recalculate any math that was done and double check your W-2, 1099 and other records to ensure that the numbers match.
Step 5 - Get a Second Look
Have someone else look over your return before you file. Getting professional tax preparation help can improve accuracy.
