1. Get a free second opinion
People often tend to think that they are finished with the whole process and paperwork and then they just file it. But, then they learn that they’ve missed something. So, instead of making this even harder for yourself, ask a professional for an opinion.
Before sending it off, consider talking to a certified public accountant. In addition, the IRS provides Taxpayer Assistance Centers which aim to help taxpayers file their taxes. You have to call and make an appointment beforehand, but they will gladly take a look at your forms and filings.
On their website, they provide a list of centers in each state and you can also find their contact information.
2. Choose E-Filing
It’s way easier and time-saving to file online. In fact, the IRS said that in October 2021 only 15,000 people didn’t file online. The IRS is providing a search tool for e-file providers that are operating in your area.
Also, the tax preparation software can take care of this aspect if you want to. If you don’t choose the online way, it can take up to 4 weeks for it to be processed and another 8 for you to receive a refund.
So which one will you choose? The fast or the slow way?
3. File an extension instead
Forget about filing for a return, file an extension instead. If you don’t have enough time to finish your return and you can’t meet the deadline, it’s better to ask for an extension.
That way you automatically get 6 more months to finish it. But, bear in mind that there’s a catch to it. If you owe the IRS, you still need a payment that is at least 90% of your tax bill in order to avoid penalties.
1 thought on “5 Tips to File Your Taxes In Under 1 Hour”
I like to read many informative things about many items. I do our taxes with turbo tax the long form for several years now and I am quite creative within the law, we have not paid taxes for a long time.
Your article was ok, but told me little I did not already know.
I would REALLY like to know why the IRS will not give me back as much money as my tax form says they should. They have claimed missing SS #s, not true, claimed dependants, not true, claimed incorrect figuring-hello-turbo tax? not true. They only ever want to give back what we gave them as the 10% we had held for them with withdrawals from hubby’s IRA required as he is now 78.
How might I ever be able to get what they OWE me according how my taxes work out? I do spend some time on them, they used to pay us, now they just will n ot. Have some rules changed I do not know about and I could just do the short form?
Many thanks for any info you might give me to better understand this!!