|
|
|
Dover, Del. —
It’s that time of the year again, the income tax filing season has begun and important tax documents should be arriving in the mail.
“Even though your tax return is not due until April 18, getting an early start will make filing easier,” said IRS spokesman Gregg Semanick.
Here are the Internal Revenue Service’s top 10 tips that will help the tax filing process run smoother than ever this year.
-
Start gathering records: Round up any documents or forms: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions.
-
Be on the lookout for tax-related documents: W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon.
-
Use Free File: Let Free File do the hard work with brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It’s available exclusively at www.irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it for free. If taxpayers made $58,000 or less, they qualify for free tax software that is offered through a private-public partnership with manufacturers. If taxpayers made more or are comfortable preparing their own tax returns, there’s Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Visit www.irs.gov/freefile to review your options.
-
Try IRS e-file: After 21 years, IRS e-file has become the safe, easy and most common way to file a tax return. Last year, 70% of taxpayers — 99 million people — used IRS e-file. Starting in 2011, many tax preparers will be required to use e-file and will explain filing options to residents. IRS e-file is approaching 1 billion returns processed safely and securely. If Delawareans owe taxes, they have payment options to file immediately and pay by the tax deadline. Best of all, combine e-file with direct deposit and taxpayers get their refund in as few as 10 days.
-
Consider other filing options: There are many different options for filing a tax return. Residents can prepare themselves or go to a tax preparer. They may be eligible for free face-to-face help at an IRS office or volunteer site.
-
Consider direct deposit: If Delawareans elect to have refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts, they’ll receive it faster than waiting for a paper check.
-
Visit the IRS website: The official IRS website is a great place to find everything needed to file a tax return: forms, publications, tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on tax law changes.
-
Check out IRS Publication 17 — Your Federal Income Tax Guide: This publication is available on the IRS website. It’s a comprehensive collection of information for taxpayers highlighting everything they’ll need to know when filing their returns.
-
Review: Don’t rush. Mistakes will slow down the processing of a return. Be sure to double-check all the Social Security numbers and math calculations on returns as these are the most common errors made by taxpayers.
- Don’t panic! If taxpayers run into a problem, remember the IRS is available to help. Try http://www.irs.gov or call toll-free at 800-829-1040.
It’s that time of the year again, the income tax filing season has begun and important tax documents should be arriving in the mail.
“Even though your tax return is not due until April 18, getting an early start will make filing easier,” said IRS spokesman Gregg Semanick.
Here are the Internal Revenue Service’s top 10 tips that will help the tax filing process run smoother than ever this year.
-
Start gathering records: Round up any documents or forms: receipts, canceled checks and other documents that support income or deductions.
-
Be on the lookout for tax-related documents: W-2s and 1099s will be coming soon.
-
Use Free File: Let Free File do the hard work with brand-name tax software or online fillable forms. It’s available exclusively at www.irs.gov. Everyone can find an option to prepare their tax return and e-file it for free. If taxpayers made $58,000 or less, they qualify for free tax software that is offered through a private-public partnership with manufacturers. If taxpayers made more or are comfortable preparing their own tax returns, there’s Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic versions of IRS paper forms. Visit www.irs.gov/freefile to review your options.
-
Try IRS e-file: After 21 years, IRS e-file has become the safe, easy and most common way to file a tax return. Last year, 70% of taxpayers — 99 million people — used IRS e-file. Starting in 2011, many tax preparers will be required to use e-file and will explain filing options to residents. IRS e-file is approaching 1 billion returns processed safely and securely. If Delawareans owe taxes, they have payment options to file immediately and pay by the tax deadline. Best of all, combine e-file with direct deposit and taxpayers get their refund in as few as 10 days.
-
Consider other filing options: There are many different options for filing a tax return. Residents can prepare themselves or go to a tax preparer. They may be eligible for free face-to-face help at an IRS office or volunteer site.
-
Consider direct deposit: If Delawareans elect to have refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts, they’ll receive it faster than waiting for a paper check.
-
Visit the IRS website: The official IRS website is a great place to find everything needed to file a tax return: forms, publications, tips, answers to frequently asked questions and updates on tax law changes.
-
Check out IRS Publication 17 — Your Federal Income Tax Guide: This publication is available on the IRS website. It’s a comprehensive collection of information for taxpayers highlighting everything they’ll need to know when filing their returns.
-
Review: Don’t rush. Mistakes will slow down the processing of a return. Be sure to double-check all the Social Security numbers and math calculations on returns as these are the most common errors made by taxpayers.
- Don’t panic! If taxpayers run into a problem, remember the IRS is available to help. Try http://www.irs.gov or call toll-free at 800-829-1040.
