Tackling Tax Season: The Ultimate Guide to Filing Your Taxes

Tax season is upon us once again, and for most Americans, it’s one of the most dreaded times of the year. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned tax filer, the overwhelming and stressful feeling of organizing, preparing, and submitting your taxes can hit any person hard. Fortunately, by following some simple steps, you can streamline the process, alleviate stress, and make filing your taxes much smoother. In this article, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to help you prepare, execute, and ultimately, file your taxes with confidence.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you start the actual tax filing process, you need to do some prep work. Here are some simple preparations to help you get started:

1. Collect All Necessary Documents
The first thing you need to do when preparing for tax season is to gather all relevant documents. Start by collecting all of your W2 forms, any forms sent to you from school, and any supplemental income forms, such as invoices or receipts. Make sure you have everything in one place, such as a folder, and consider scanning them in digitally to keep them organized.

2. Double Check Your Paperwork
Once you’ve gathered all your necessary documents, it’s time to cross-check and double-check them. Make sure everything is accurate and that all the information matches up. Take note of any missing or incorrect paperwork and reach out to the necessary authorities to resolve any discrepancies.

3. Allocate Time for Filing
If your taxes are relatively simple, block out at least three hours to complete them as well as an additional hour later to review them before submitting. Set aside a specific time each day, or every other day, to work on your taxes to ensure you don’t procrastinate and miss the deadline.

Step 2: Execution

Now that you’ve prepared all your documents, it’s time to file your taxes. Here are some ways to make the process easier and more convenient:

1. Use Tax Filing Software
There are several tax filing software solutions available online, such as TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA, that can help you prepare your taxes. These applications come with step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and automatic calculations to ensure you don’t miss anything. Some also offer a free federal tax filing service and low-cost state filing.

2. Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with your taxes or have a more complex tax situation, it’s best to seek the help of a professional. An accountant or tax preparer can advise you on how to maximize deductions and ensure compliance with all tax laws.

Step 3: Re-Preparation

Once you’ve filed your taxes, it’s essential to take steps to make the process easier for next year. Here are some tips to help you re-prepare:

1. Go Paperless
As we’ve previously discussed, going paperless can help you stay organized and reduce stress during tax season. Invest in a good scanner to digitize all your essential documents, such as receipts, bills, and tax forms. These digital copies can be easily accessed and filed away for next year.

2. Use Accounting Software
If you have a side hustle or self-employed income, consider using accounting software, such as FreshBooks, to keep track of all your invoices and income. This tool makes invoicing less complicated and offers full functionality for up to three clients for free.

3. Stay on Top of Your Finances
To make tax season less daunting, start tracking your financial obligations throughout the year. Create a financial calendar that reminds you of crucial tax-related deadlines and commitments. Use reminders and alerts to monitor your accounts and ensure that all necessary tax-related documents are kept in one place.

Conclusion

Although tax season can be intimidating and stressful, it can also be simplified by following the steps outlined above. Start by gathering and organizing all your necessary documents, use tax filing software or seek professional help, and don’t forget to plan for next year as soon as this year’s tax season is over. By staying on top of things and being better prepared, you can approach tax season with confidence and ease.