Preparing and filing your federal income taxes doesn’t have to be an upsetting experience.
If you’re committed to doing your taxes yourself – without professional help – there are a few things you can do to make the process easier on you (and those around you.)
Here are the IRS 6 Tips to Make Filing Less Taxing:
Don’t delay: Avoid doing your taxes at the very last minute. If you rush to meet the filing deadline, you may overlook possible tax savings. You are also more likely to make an error.
Visit IRS.gov: Go online to “1040 Central” for tax news, tax tools and information.
Use Free File: If you made $57,000 or less, prepare your return using free, brand-name tax software. If you made more than $57,000 and you’re comfortable doing your own tax return, use Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms.
Try IRS e-file: IRS e-file is the safest, most accurate, easiest and most popular way to file a tax return. If you owe taxes, you can file now and delay your payment until the April 15 filing deadline.
File on time: If you owe taxes when you file your return but you can’t pay what you owe by April 15, you should still file on time and pay as much as you can. This will minimize penalties and interest charges. If you cannot pay the total amount of tax you owe you may request an installment agreement. Most people who owe taxes are eligible for one. You can apply using the Online Payment Agreement tool on the IRS.gov website.
File an extension: If your return is not ready by April 15, you can get an automatic extension for an extra six months. E-file your extension using the Free File program. You can also get an extension using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.