Tax season can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With our Taxes-To-Go app, you can file your taxes conveniently from the comfort of your own home. Our expert tax preparers are here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Whether you need help with LLC, Partnership, S Corporation, C Corporation, Individual, or Sole Proprietorship tax preparation, we've got you covered. Say goodbye to tax season stress and hello to a hassle-free experience with The Tax Clinic.

'Tis the season for taxes, and while it may not be the most exciting time of year, a recent survey revealed that most taxpayers dislike the process. Filing taxes can be time-consuming, expensive, and often confusing, making it feel like adult homework.

Taxes don't have to be a dreaded task. With my years of experience and practice, I have found ways to make the process more efficient. Even if you haven't reached that level yet, here are seven tips to help you stay organized during tax season - allowing you to focus on your life instead of paperwork.

1. Collect as you proceed

Gather all tax-related materials in a designated location upon their arrival. As soon as you receive a tax document in the mail, place it in that designated spot. This will make it effortless to locate the documents when needed, facilitating the process of filing taxes.

2: Select a Location

Save your old tax records in one convenient place. In most cases, your tax return for this year will be similar to the previous year's. Therefore, it may be helpful to consult previous tax documents to verify specific figures or to determine which documents were necessary. You can keep your tax records in a folder on a bookshelf, a file in a secure location, or even a designated "Box of Knowledge" in your closet. Choose one method and consistently use it.

3. Embrace a Paperless System

If you really want to be prepared with out the clutter, make sure you make digital copies of each document and store the physical paper away for safe keeping. This way you will not have to worry about losing your documents for they are in 2 places. This also makes it easier to send your documents to secured web spaces that need these documents electronically delivered or uploaded. It is also smart to create a file that is private and maybe even password protected.

For those with a technical background, opting for electronic tax statements can bring numerous benefits. It will not only speed up the process, but also improve document storage and assist in simplifying tax preparation in the years to come.

4: Understand Your Needs

Consider the location of your funds and any corporations that may have an enduring association with your finances. Examine these locations for any tax-related details. In case you possess any of the following, it is advisable to obtain a corresponding tax statement for each:

• Employment: It is important to obtain a W-2 form for your job and if you have received unemployment benefits, you should also receive a Form 1099-G.

• Debts: Different types of debts such as a mortgage for a home (Form 1098), student loans (Form 1098-E), a personal loan that has been forgiven (Form 1099-C), and other loans should be reported.

• Childcare: Keep track of all receipts from daycare or after-school programs to show your expenses.

• Banking: Make sure to report any income received from savings accounts or interest-earning checking accounts (Form 1099-INT).

• Investments: Depending on the types of accounts you have, there may be various forms to look out for such as 1099-B for capital gains, 1099-DIV for dividend income, and 1099-R for retirement distributions.

• Charitable Contributions: Keep records of any receipts from charity donations and end-of-year receipts from monthly or recurring payments.

5. Submit your files in advance

Filing your taxes early ensures that they were submitted correctly before the deadline, giving you peace of mind and avoiding any unexpected issues with the IRS in the future. Additionally, filing early may result in a faster processing time for your tax refund.

6. Understand your standing with the IRS

For those who are eager to check the progress of their refund, the IRS provides an online tool called the "Where's My Refund" portal. However, reaching the IRS for any tax-related inquiries can be challenging due to their limited staff, efforts to catch up with numerous rule changes, and high volume of tax documents to process. As a result, you may receive a confusing letter from the IRS, but do not panic as there is likely a reasonable explanation for it.

When contacting them for inquiries, it is advised to remain patient as the wait time may be lengthy. Alternatively, you can refer to the IRS website to view tax records, check for any outstanding payments to the IRS, and verify the status of your payments or tax returns.

7: Recognizing the Need for Assistance

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a strong aversion towards encountering errors on tax forms. In the event that an error is detected on your form, it can result in a significant waste of time, money, and mental strain to correct it. Although a number of tax-filing software programs are effective for simple situations, there is a possibility that you may not receive the complete refund that you are entitled to. Factors such as being a business owner, having a higher income, and engaging in investments can complicate your tax-filing status.

If your taxes are complex, it is beneficial to search for a tax preparer, as recommended by IRS (https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf). The IRS also offers a directory of tax preparers (https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf). A tax preparer or adviser can guarantee the proper filing of your taxes, help you utilize available tax breaks, and even rectify errors with the IRS on your behalf. This is a mutually beneficial arrangement!

Don't be intimidated by taxes, as they only occur once a year. They are not intended to cause panic or anxiety. By staying organized and seeking professional assistance, you can alleviate that stress. Find a method that suits your needs.