With tax season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to start preparing for next year. For many of us, filing taxes can be a daunting task. But with a little preparation, you can make tax time less stressful next year. Here are seven steps from our expert CPA in Charleston to help you file your taxes quickly and easily next year!
Get organized
The key to successful tax filing is staying organized throughout the year. That includes keeping track of all your income sources and deductible expenses, such as charitable donations and medical bills. Keeping this information in one place is a great way to stay organized and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Check your withholding
Make sure you’re having enough money withheld from each paycheck to cover your taxes when they come due next year. If not, you may find yourself owing more than expected come April 15th!
Use online software
Gone are the days of filling out paper forms by hand! Most taxpayers can use online software or apps to prepare their taxes quickly and easily from home or on the go. Many of these programs even offer features like automatic deductions for commonly missed items, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting something important in your tax return!
File electronically
Filing electronically is fast, easy, and secure; plus, it’s often free or discounted depending on which software you use! You can receive your refund much faster with electronic filing than if you mail in a paper return—which means more money back in your pocket sooner!
Take advantage of free resources
There are tons of free resources available online to help you navigate the sometimes-confusing world of taxes. From basic tips on how to file correctly to more complex advice on navigating deductions and credits, there’s something out there for everyone no matter what stage they’re at in their tax-filing journey!
Double-check everything before submitting
Before submitting your return electronically or mailing it off via snail mail, double-check all numbers for accuracy and sign off where necessary—you don’t want any mistakes holding up your refund! And last but not least…
Schedule an appointment with a professional
If all else fails (or if it just makes sense financially), consider consulting a professional who specializes in tax law or tax preparation services; they can help ensure that all your paperwork is accurate before filing and answer any questions you may have along the way.
Tax season doesn’t have to be stressful—not if you plan ahead! By following these seven steps now while everything is still fresh in our minds—and taking advantage of free resources available online—we can make sure we’re better prepared when next year’s filing deadline rolls around again! For help with tax preparation or to better organize your finances all throughout the year, contact our CPA in Charleston firm today to schedule an appointment.