Useful tax tips for filing your federal tax return

It’s the time again: tax season.  Although individual tax returns aren’t due until April 15, America’s CPAs would like to remind you that the taxpayers that get working on their taxes early will make the filing process easier. Below are some of the things you might like to know about getting your taxes done, especially if you’re new at doing them:

First of all, you’re going to need to gather your W-2s and 1099s. When you get this paperwork, put them in a place where you won’t easily lose them, and in a place where you’ll remember because you can’t complete a tax return without them.

Remember that you should check on the rules to see if you’re required to file a federal tax return due to the amount of income that you earn. In other cases, it may benefit you to file a federal income tax return because you had too much income tax withheld.

You’ll have to collect your records. This means you have to round up all of your canceled checks, receipts, and various documents that support your current income. You will also need to gather your deductions and credits that you will be reporting or claiming on your tax return. Try and get your records in the best shape possible so that you’ll only be paying what you owe and nothing extra.

Keep in mind that you may have credits and deductions that may apply to you; you may not need to pay more tax than you need to. This includes the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, adoption credit, and so forth. It’s best to check with your local CPA or the IRS website for qualifications.