Taxation day – the day that everyone dreads – is approaching fast. The crucial day of the year when every taxpayer in America must submit their tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service. While, the task itself is daunting, it can be even more frustrating when you forget essential documents and miss the deadlines. Therefore, it’s essential to have a clear and concise checklist to ensure that you don’t miss anything important. In this blog post, we will discuss the ultimate checklist for taxation day, so you can be well-prepared and stress-free during the tax season.
Gather all your necessary documents – The first and foremost step in filing your tax return is to gather all the essential documents required for filing the return. These documents may include W2 forms from all employers, 1099 forms, bank statements, investment incomes, mortgage interest statements, charitable contribution receipts, and any other relevant documents. Once you gather all your necessary documents, keep them safe in an organized folder.
Understand your filing status – One of the essential aspects of tax preparation is determining your filing status. Your filing status affects numerous aspects of your tax return, including the standard deduction, tax rates, credits, and exemptions. Make sure you select the correct filing status to save yourself from unnecessary confusion and errors.
Check for all deductions and credits – To reduce the tax liabilities and increase the refund, it’s essential to check for all possible deductions and credits before filing your tax return. Some of the common deductions and credits include student loan interest, home office deductions, and charitable contributions. Therefore, it’s essential to check for all possible deductions and credits to ensure that you receive the maximum refund possible.
File your tax return by the deadline – Filing your tax return on time is crucial to avoid penalties and interest. If you are unable to file your tax return by the deadline, you have options to file an extension. However, keep in mind that filing an extension does not exempt you from paying the tax owed.
Double-check your tax return – Before submitting your tax return, double-check every detail to ensure that there are no errors or discrepancies. Even small errors can delay your refund significantly. Therefore, it’s essential to take ample time to review your tax return and ensure that all the details are correct and accurate.
Filing tax returns can be stressful, time-consuming, and often confusing. However, by following the checklist mentioned above, you can ensure that you have covered all the necessary aspects of filing your tax return. Make sure to keep your documents organized, understand your filing status, check for all deductions and credits, file your tax return by the deadline, and double-check your tax return before submitting it. By following these steps, you can not only relieve your stress and anxiety but also maximize your refund and avoid penalties.
