It's that time again. The dreaded tax year. A lot of the laws from last year have changed so please be sure to read the instructions when filing your 2006 taxes. Also here are 7 tips to help you get organized to file your taxes. Thanks.
1. Gather all receipts, monthly/quarterly statements, medical bills, student loans, credit card debt, etc.
2. Use a software package like Quicken or Quick Books to record all of your deductions. If you don't have this software then you can use an Excel spreadsheet with these basic column headings, Item, Date Purchased or Sold, Cost, Quantity, Total Cost. If you don't have the Excel software program just use plain old pencil and paper.
3. Identify all items that can be used as itemized deductions and put them in one pile. Determine if the standard deduction for your tax bracket is greater than your itemized deductions. (The list of items you gathered in step 2 and verified against the tax form instruction manual as items that can be itemized). If your standard deduction is greater than use the standard deduction, if not, use the worksheet included with your taxes to calculate your itemized deductions.
4. To save money file your taxes electronically. You will receive your refund in approximately two weeks from the date of filing.
5. Don't get a tax refund loan or refund anticipation loan. This is a waste of time and of money. You usually have to pay a fee to get the refund loan which usually have high interest rates and associated fees. See the article discussing this issue.
6. If you salary is less than $52,000 or less you can file your taxes electronically for free.
7. Be cautious when purchasing a tax preparation software. Research the credibility of the company and verify if the software provides automatic updates to tax laws contained in the software. Go to Better Business Bureau website to check out a company's history. Click on the Business Link under the Check It Out section.
Bonus Tip. File your taxes on time. If you are owed taxes this year and are unable to pay your taxes by April 15, 2007, file an extension no later than April 15, 2007 or setup a payment plan. If is never wise to owe taxes because the interest and penalties fees that accrue each day will put you further into debt.
Your goal for this year is to get out of debt and be on your way to be debt free life. Good luck!
For more tips and information purchase my book, How to Get Out of Debt: Get an "A" Credit Rating For Free, ISBN 1933949430 at Walden Books, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Books A Million, Overstock.com, Target and Walmart.
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