The tax filing season starts with the annual meeting with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for the tax return for many people. While some business owners have already set up a tax preparation company to fill out their returns, many others prefer to do their tax preparation. Therefore, before you start working on your tax return, it is essential to understand the current tax laws and IRS guidelines.

How To Prepare Your Taxes 

If you're nervous about preparing your taxes this year, you're not alone. Many Americans dread preparing their taxes every year. But for many, the process is made much more difficult by the dizzying array of yearly income levels, deductions, and exceptions. While some people can do their taxes by themselves, others need help. You could go down the route of hiring a CPA if your tax burden is significant enough. The following steps will help you get started:

• Tax preparer selection

Finding a quality tax preparer is the first step in getting your tax in order. Some people will want to do this independently, but a professional will be an enormous help. You should ensure that they have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), which authorizes them to file federal taxes on your behalf.

• Arrange a meeting

You should attempt to set up an appointment with your chosen preparer as soon as possible. This will ensure that you can complete your taxes on time and because your tax preparer will have other clients they need to help. Get in first, get in fast, and get your returns done on time.

• Organize your documents

Your employer, as well as banks, brokerage firms, and other companies with whom you do business, should have sent you all the necessary tax documents by the end of January. You should check every form to make sure the information corresponds with your records.

• Provide your personal information

If you claim dependents, do you know their Social Security numbers? Those are details your tax preparer will want to know. Additionally, you should make a list of anything else you think might be relevant. Make a note of the addresses of vacation houses and rental properties you own. Record the dates you purchased and sold your property, the price you paid, and the amount of the sale. IRS personnel will have an easier time processing your return if you provide more information.

• Prepare for any refund in advance

There are several ways you can handle your tax refund. You can pay taxes for next year wholly or partly from the refund. You can cover the first quarterly installment if you pay estimated taxes throughout the year. A government refund can also be deposited directly into your checking or savings account, or a check can be mailed to you. If you receive a refund, you will be allowed to deposit a portion or all of the money into specific accounts (IRAs, education savings accounts, health savings accounts) or by U.S. securities.

How To Handle An Audit

An audit is a process of examining your financial records and documents to determine if you comply with the tax laws. Audits use a detailed review of your financial records, including ledgers, check register, and other forms. In addition, the auditor usually interviews anyone involved to identify possible misstatements or omissions. If you are subject to an audit, you can use a tax audit defense to give you enough time to get things back in order. Because an audit can be a stressful event, this kind of defense will provide you with breathing space to consider what documents you need to deliver and have a tax professional's assistance backing you up.

Common Tax Deductions

Tax deductions are available to everyone, even people who don't earn a salary, to help offset the cost of their tax liability. A tax deduction is a specific itemized deduction that reduces your taxable income. Some of the more common deductions that you can apply for include:

• Interest in student loans.
• Credit for lifelong learning.
• The tax credit for the care of dependent children.
• Children's tax credit.
• Adoption credit.
• Tax credit for earned income.
• Deduction for charitable donations.

You can discuss with your tax preparer which deductions you are eligible for and how to claim them. As a result, you could save a lot of money over the tax year.

File Your Taxes Online

If you are eligible to file taxes online, you should do it. There are many reasons to use this method, but the two most important are convenience and time savings. Filing taxes is a chore that is far from enjoyable, and many people prefer to do them in the privacy of their own homes. However, E-filing has made it far more accessible for most people to file their returns online, and it is an option that you should consider if you haven't already.

Tax preparation is a tedious but necessary factor of life and one that everyone must engage in. However, with a bit of preparation and a tax professional's help, it can be far more straightforward.