With the tax filing deadline close at hand, the IRS offers some tips for those still working on their paper tax forms:
How To Check On Your Tax Refund
If you already filed your federal tax return and are due a refund, you have several options for checking on the status of your refund.
Here are some tips from the IRS about keeping good records. You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year.
Oops! You've discovered an error after your tax return has been filed. What should you do? You may need to amend your return. The IRS usually corrects math errors or requests missing forms -- such as W-2s or schedules.
How Long Should It Take To Get Your Tax Refund?
Are you expecting a tax refund from the Internal Revenue Service this year? If you file a complete and accurate paper tax return, your refund should be issued about six to eight weeks after the IRS receives your return.
Deduction For Educator Expenses
If you are an eligible educator, you may be able to deduct up to $250 of expenses you paid for purchases of books and classroom supplies. These out-of-pocket expenses may lower your 2006 tax bill even if you dont itemize your deductions.
Free Tax Help For The Military
If you, or your spouse, are a member of the military, you may be eligible to receive free assistance with the preparation and filing of your federal tax return.
Volunteer Tax Return Preparation
Are you puzzled by the tax law and which credits and deductions you can take? If so, then why not look into the free, IRS-sponsored, volunteer tax return preparation services? In addition to tax preparation, many also offer free electronic filing of tax returns.
It is not a coincidence that the word "taxing" and the forms we file each April have the same root word. For me the concept of filing taxes would be impossible without a computer program that does the work for me. What isn't difficult is tallying and organizing my deductions.
Earn Tax Credits and Save Energy
Tax returns are a pleasant springtime surprise for many. By cashing in on deductions, one can make that surprise even bigger. One of the deductions to plan for in the upcoming year is the Energy Policy Act of 2005.
