5 Free Tax Return Filing Tips to Simplify Filing Your Taxes

It’s a known and unfortunate fact that most individuals aren’t too efficient when it relates to tax return filing. We offer these free online tax preparation tips to help those who are disorganized and/or unprepared. Many are stressed out because they are not organized and it doesn’t have to be that way.

• A checklist can be a big help in getting organized.

Making use of a good checklist will guide you in organizing all of the correct documents that you need. This one free tax return filing tip alone can make sure that you don’t miss any required details. Did we mention less stress? Getting your required documentation organized will allow you to physically see what you will need when you actually prepare your tax return.

• The first time you do this, you may need help.

If so, it is available. There are several sources of free tax assistance if you need it. The Internal Revenue Service has a couple of programs for those who qualify. One is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Another one is Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).

In addition to the IRS programs, you can find numerous software programs on the internet. These are designed to help you get your information ready to file your tax return. Software programs can help individuals to get organized, and also to make sure that deductions and credits are maximized.

Some individuals may not be comfortable filing their tax return without the assistance of a tax professional. Hiring one can be quite expensive, however.

We have an online tax preparation service with our website, HBS Financial Group, Ltd., that offers assistance. By using a simple interview process, you will be guided throughout. Your answers to the questions will allow our intuitive program to determine all of the forms that you need, and will actually prepare the return for you.

It will also determine if you qualify for a free federal return. Making sure that you get all available deductions and tax credits is automatic.

• Review your work several times to make sure nothing is missing.

Never send in or e-file your tax return until you’re sure it’s good to go. Your goal is to file a 100% accurate tax return. This will not only boost your self-confidence, but it will save you from having to amend your return.

Follow your checklist carefully and you will be more confident in filing your tax return yourself. When you review your return, it’s very important to make sure that the spelling is correct. Next are the numbers. Check your social security number carefully and all numbers that you have entered. It’s easy to transpose a number, so check every one. If you send in a return to the IRS and/or your state with an error, you can be sure it will delay any refunds you may be waiting for.

• Tip number four is to realize that tax return filing doesn’t begin on the day you plan to file your return.

To be organized and ready to file, be aware of your tax situation as you go through the year. Those who wait until the last minute to organize their records and other tax information are prone to making errors.  You may have a life event change during the year and you need to address it then while you have time. Waiting until tax filing time can bring on stress that you don’t need.

• The last free tax preparation tip is to make sure that you aware of your deadlines.

Allow yourself plenty of time to gather your records and any other information that you may need. Filing your taxes online is so much easier when you have everything you need to file an accurate return. Depending on your job, you may be a W-2 employee or a self-employed individual. If the latter, one of your deadlines may be making estimated tax payments throughout the year. It could also involve paying state sales taxes in certain cases.

We encourage you to take advantage of these five free tax return preparation tips and do use a good check list. Check our online tax filing site also and see just how fast and easy it is to file your taxes online. Answer the simple interview questions, and if you qualify for free online tax preparation for your federal return, you’ll get it. The program will also make sure you maximize all deductions and tax credits that you are eligible for. Don’t delay, get organized and get your return done.

Oh, and did we mention your cost for filing your tax return with us? We have a new flat rate pricing of $25, and that includes your federal and state return. It doesn’t matter either how complicated your tax return is, or how many forms you need. One flat rate of $25 for your tax return filing.