Tax Return Tips to Avoid Tax Day Stress

April 14 is a bad day to begin to think about filing your returns. To avoid tax day stress, you should be organized and have a plan.  There are a few simple tax return tips to keep you from being frazzled.

Tip One: Be Prepared

One of the easiest ways to prevent stress, is to be prepared. You can actually stay prepared throughout the year by keeping track of your deductible expenses. If you make a charitable donation, pay property taxes, or have home business expenses, keep the receipts and information all in one place so that you have it at your finger tips when you are ready to file.

When you are ready to complete your tax forms, take the time to gather the information you know you will need: W-2s, 1099s, social security numbers for your dependents, and other tax information. Don't forget that daycare and medical expenses can also be tax deductible, so keep track of those expenses as well.

Tip Two: File Early

Waiting until the middle of April to file your taxes only adds to your stress level. Employers are required to mail your W-2s and 1099s by January 31. By mid-February, you should have everything you need to be able to file. Even if you don't send it in until April 15 because you owe taxes and don't want to pay until the last minute, by preparing the return early, you have time to deal with missing information and can seek tax advice if you have any unusual situations.

Tip Three: Seek Help

If you don't take your taxes to a professional to be done, at the very least invest in tax software and complete the return online. Not only does the IRS process electronic refunds more quickly, but the software will walk you through your return step by step and catch errors you might make. Certain software purchases come with the backing of tax preparation companies, so that if you decide you need extra help, it is accessible.

Tip Four: Visit the IRS Website

For the most up to date information on new deductions and tax relief measures, be sure to stop by the IRS website. The IRS has a bad reputation, but in recent years has tried to make their website user friendly and accessible. You can obtain any form and its instructions through the website, you can search for specific topics you are curious about, and you can learn whether or not you are eligible for certain deductions.

Tax day for most people isn't fun even if you are getting a return because the process can be so tedious, but if you try to stay organized throughout the year and tackle the job early instead of waiting until the last minute, you can ease the burden of tax day stress. Remember, if you are getting a refund, the sooner you are able to file the more quickly that money will be available.