Some Tax Tips
If you are like me, the thought of paying taxes probably makes you a little queasy. Here's a few tips that I have found extremely helpful in getting me through "tax time."
1) Organize: just having a folder labeled "2006 Taxes" and putting all the W2's, 1098's and the rest into it will help greatly.
2) Set aside a planned, specific date and time to go through your stuff and get prepared. Maybe just familiarize yourself with the latest changes to the tax code and how they impact you. Just be specific about when you do this - put it on your schedule.
3) Take advantage of the free resources available for you. Earlier this month, I mentioned the IRS' free tax filing services. Check it out. Doesn't apply to everyone, but it's worth a look!
4) If your taxes are too overwhelming and just utterly confusing, paying someone a hundred bucks to do it for you can be well worth the peace of mind it offers. I recommend you give it a go on your own first (using a free online service) and if that doesn't work for you, just run your stuff over to a local tax accountant and let them deal with it.
5) Don't let the IRS scare you. They have a ton of services available, from 800 numbers to online tips to help you get the job done. No, they are not the model of Government efficiency, but you should still use 'em if you need 'em.
Really, the bottom line is this: if you start to get overwhelmed or you give a try and just want to throw your hands in the air, don't let yourself go crazy, just ask for help: either from a tax professional or the IRS themselves. It's simply not worth it to be stressed beyond belief over something as mundane and irritating taxes.
1) Organize: just having a folder labeled "2006 Taxes" and putting all the W2's, 1098's and the rest into it will help greatly.
2) Set aside a planned, specific date and time to go through your stuff and get prepared. Maybe just familiarize yourself with the latest changes to the tax code and how they impact you. Just be specific about when you do this - put it on your schedule.
3) Take advantage of the free resources available for you. Earlier this month, I mentioned the IRS' free tax filing services. Check it out. Doesn't apply to everyone, but it's worth a look!
4) If your taxes are too overwhelming and just utterly confusing, paying someone a hundred bucks to do it for you can be well worth the peace of mind it offers. I recommend you give it a go on your own first (using a free online service) and if that doesn't work for you, just run your stuff over to a local tax accountant and let them deal with it.
5) Don't let the IRS scare you. They have a ton of services available, from 800 numbers to online tips to help you get the job done. No, they are not the model of Government efficiency, but you should still use 'em if you need 'em.
Really, the bottom line is this: if you start to get overwhelmed or you give a try and just want to throw your hands in the air, don't let yourself go crazy, just ask for help: either from a tax professional or the IRS themselves. It's simply not worth it to be stressed beyond belief over something as mundane and irritating taxes.
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