7 Tips for First Time Filers

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7 Tips for First Time Filers -

7 Tips for First Time Tax Filers - TaxAct Blog

visitors You may have heard complain of having to file their taxes. Maybe you're a little intimidated thereafter. With tax season now upon us, it is time for you to file your first tax return.

Filing your taxes is probably not as bad as you think. Most first time filers just need to learn some basics of the tax return as the importance of your W-2 form. Sent by your employer on Form W-2 reports of wages, salaries or tips earned. You got that

Here are some additional tips to help you through your first tax season stress:

1. Begin collect tax information earlier.

One of the biggest frustrations for filing your taxes is to locate documents and receipts necessary receipts throughout the year. When you can not suddenly remember where you put the receipt for your property taxes or medical expenses that you had last summer, preparing your taxes quickly becomes a stressful task.

However, if you take a little extra time to plan ahead, you can make your life much easier.

you do not need a storefront filing system to keep good track of your tax information. A file or make simple box. The important thing is to ensure that this land where you can easily find later. Do not put anything else in this file or box. You'll save yourself a lot of sorting later.

First, save receipts for expenses related to deductions and tax credits in a safe place throughout the year. If you're self-employed, be sure to save receipts for all business expenses -. Young and old

Do not overlook items such as printer ink, parking and tolls related to the activity, and other expenses. Keep a notebook or track your business mileage electronically.

Business expenses reduce your self-employment tax and your income tax, so that you do not want to miss any of them.

As your tax information documents begin arriving in January, drop them in your tax file or box immediately. Try not to let them disembark on the counter or any other place where they could be misplaced.

2. Organize your information.

Organize your tax information can be as simple as putting your deductible expenses W-4 forms in a stack, your other income in the next cell, and possibly a third.

If you have a small business or other self-employment income, do yourself a favor and make a list or spreadsheet of income and business expenses. Do not forget to organize the information for possible credits such as dependent care credit for children.

Once your information is organized, the rest is easy. When choosing to use as TaxAct tax preparation solution, you can easily prepare and file your federal and state returns by simply answering a few questions as you go.

7 Tips for First Time Tax Filers - TaxAct Blog

3. Calculate if you are a dependent of someone else.

One of the most important details you need to know before you file your tax return is whether or not you are classified as a dependent.

Did your parents pay more than half of your spending this past year? If so, you are generally considered dependents for tax purposes. As a result, parents are able to take a dependency exemption of $ 4000 (in 2015) to have you as a dependent. In this case, you can not take the exemption on your return for yourself.

Talk to your parents and see if they take the exemption. The IRS will notice if you and your parents take an exemption for you.

4. Determine your filing status.

If you are single and without children or other dependent relatives, this is easy. You file as single.

However, if you have children or other dependents living with you, do not click the simple box too quickly. If you pay more than half the cost of maintaining your home, and your home was the main home for more than half of the year to an eligible child or other relative, you can pay less tax by using the head of household filing status.

If you are married and living with your spouse, you'll probably want to file as Married Filing jointly. Generally, couples will pay less tax than filing jointly using the filing status Married separately

However, in some situations, you may prefer to file separately. For example, if you keep your finances separate, or if you do not want to be liable for the tax bill of your spouse.

5. Read your return.

TaxAct makes tax preparation much easier than it was back in the day for your parents or grandparents. Gone are the days of having to fill out forms by hand. Now you can simply enter your financial data in one digital solutions or download TaxACT, and follow their step by step guide to get your maximum refund.

However, this does not mean you should just plug in the numbers and file. Make sure you read the entire return. If you do not understand something, read the TaxACT help topics for details.

Reading your return, not only helps you feel confident in its accuracy, but it also helps you to understand how taxes work. TaxACT customers can use instant refund to get a clear picture of how specific deductions and credits affect your refund or tax amount due.

Build your knowledge of tax and financial situation can help you better plan for the coming years.

6. Give yourself enough time.

Your first back should not take too much time, but you do not want to rush. From the beginning of the year gives you a chance to work on your statement without the stress of a close period.

The deadline for federal tax returns for tax year 2015 is April 18, 2016. The filing deadlines for state income tax returns vary by state. Be sure to mark your calendar to give you enough time to meet deadlines.

However, if you are trying to beat the clock, you can file an extension for longer. It is much better to obtain a filing extension to hurry and possibly miss deductions and credits that you could have saved money.

7. File your return.

It feels so great to complete your return. If you deposit in the mail, however, do not forget to sign it! Also, join the W-4 form and all other forms required for your return before mailing.

If you choose to electronically file (e-file) using TaxAct, simply click the Deposit tab. screen prompts lead you through the process of e-file your return. Use the following steps to ensure your return is filed correctly

  • Step 1 :. Review your return
  • Step 2: Beginning of the electronic filing process
  • Step 3: Sign Your Return
  • Step 4: Submit your back

do you understand how the withholding tax on income worked before you start making your first paychecks ?

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