| There have been a lot of changes in the tax | | | | where mistakes have only minor consequences. |
| preparation and tax filing field over the past couple of | | | | Another practical suggestion is to print out everything |
| decades. Today there are more options than ever | | | | you have filed, so you can have hard copies for your |
| when you need to fulfill your yearly obligation to the | | | | records. Remember that if you want to be on the |
| IRS. Some are free, some are not; some people do it | | | | safe side, you will want to keep them for seven years. |
| themselves, others go to professionals. One thing does | | | | Also, when filing online, you will receive a confirmation |
| not change though, no matter which option you | | | | that the IRS has received your information; print that |
| choose: you are liable for the accuracy of your report, | | | | out as well. |
| no matter what. | | | | Tax filing programs have now come to the point |
| In other words, if you go to someone for tax advice | | | | where they can analyze the information that you input |
| and/or assistance with filing your taxes, and that | | | | and based on that information, pop-ups appear and |
| person is wrong, you are the one who will pay the | | | | suggest deductions that you may qualify for. Those |
| penalty. The fact that they signed your return is | | | | programs are updated every year to take into |
| irrelevant at this point. For this reason, many people opt | | | | account every change in tax law. This is one of the |
| to go the online route, because today's software does | | | | major perks of choosing that option. |
| a fine job when it comes to navigating people through | | | | Those looking for free options will be happy to learn |
| their returns. | | | | that there are plenty of choices for them too. Most of |
| You will obviously need a computer with an Internet | | | | this information will be on the IRS website, where they |
| connection, a tax filing program (software or e-file), | | | | will find several options they have to file their taxes for |
| applicable financial documents, and a couple hours. | | | | free. Depending on your personal financial |
| Some people master it faster than others, but it | | | | circumstances, you will likely find one that applies to |
| definitely is something that anyone can do if they set | | | | you. For example, for those who qualify, there may be |
| their minds to it. | | | | the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program or |
| Filing your taxes online has several advantages. It is | | | | VITA, and also the Tax Counseling for the Elderly |
| more widespread than you think: even if you go to a | | | | program or TCE. Both of these services are free. |
| professional, they are themselves more likely to use | | | | Similarly, military personnel who need help filing their |
| exactly that to file your return for you. Secondly, it is | | | | taxes can turn to the Armed Forces Tax Council or |
| convenient: you do not have to bring anything to | | | | AFTC for free assistance. Active military member or |
| anyone, and you can get the job done in the comfort | | | | their family are eligible. |
| of your home. Finally, it is fast: not only is your | | | | In the end, the online option for filing taxes can help get |
| information sent immediately, but your refund is also | | | | rid of the stress that comes with potentially making a |
| more likely to come quicker. | | | | mistake on your return: the programs have error |
| Now, when going through the process, one of the | | | | checkers and calculators built to help you minimize this |
| most important documents you will need is the W-2 | | | | possibility. Plus, there are many free options for those |
| form. Before you start filling anything, read the back | | | | people who are cash-strapped. It is no wonder then |
| and make sure you understand exactly what | | | | that every year this method gains more and more |
| everything means. This is not one of those areas | | | | popularity. |