| You do not have to be a professional to do your | | | | Are you planning on filing your taxes yourself? You |
| taxes however if you have a complicated income | | | | should consider avoiding filing manually and file |
| structure or are just not quite sure, there are services | | | | electronically.Filing electronically is less cumbersome |
| to help you prepare taxes for yourself or your | | | | and less stressful. Make sure that you are using the |
| business. Like Christmas, tax time seems to come | | | | appropriate tax rate for your filing status. Note, by |
| faster and faster every year. But unlike Christmas, tax | | | | processing financial information on a regular basis |
| time, is the most dreaded time of year. | | | | throughout the year, your income tax return |
| The Internet and computers have served up many | | | | preparation is more accurate and turn around is faster. |
| new options for you to choose, when preparing your | | | | Accurate tax return preparation is essential since your |
| taxes. These services include but are not limited to the | | | | return should reflect disclosuresand elections consistent |
| following: Bookkeeping, Direct Deposit, Electronic Filing, | | | | with your tax planning objectives. |
| Income Taxes. Tax preparation can be legally | | | | E-filing, which can be accessed via your computer 24 |
| performed by lawyers and non-lawyers, alike. The fee | | | | hours a day seven days a week, is a great way to file |
| for tax return preparation is based on the complexity | | | | if you plan on doing it yourself. If you expect a refund |
| of the return. Most services charge at an hourly rate -- | | | | check, filing online is a great option. |
| generally $95 per hour. | | | | Preparing your taxes is much like getting your teeth |
| There is assistance from commercial tax filing services | | | | pulled. The reality is much less worse than the |
| for low income tax payers. One service provider, | | | | anticipation. Contrary to popular belief, tax return |
| VITA, provides free basic income tax return | | | | preparation is more of a creative art than an exact |
| preparation to individuals with income of $34000 and | | | | science. If you feel a bit overwhelmed trying to |
| below. The IRS stresses that it does not provide free | | | | prepare your taxes, seek help. The small amount it will |
| electronic filing or tax return preparation services, | | | | cost you to pay for expert advice could end up saving |
| which is why it formed this public-private alliance. | | | | you hundredsin the long run. |