Only death and taxes are for certain, but only taxes
will hit you every year. Here are sites to keep them from being the
death of you.
WALLET POP
forms and state tax forms. Click on “Tax Advice” for an area where you
can read how to brace yourself for a tax audit or read 10 ways to avoid
an audit in the first place. Don’t be too rich, and don’t be too poor,
are among the tips. If you file a paper return, the writer suggests
learning to type ? on the theory that hand-lettered returns may be more
easily flagged by the
THE
While we’ve found the
site a bit difficult to search, it has improved every year and is the
definitive place for locating regulations and the latest versions of
federal tax forms. There is a helpful list of the ways to file an
electronic form ? you can do it via a software service such as TurboTax
or
TAX SOFTWARE
This site at About.com compares the two top-selling tax-software packages, TurboTax and
product used to be called TaxCut. Related links describe the
differences between online and desktop tax software and give advice on
buying tax software. For example, is your return simple enough that you
need only the “basic” program? Or, do you qualify for free software
(see above item)?
CHOOSING PREPARERS
Choosing a human to prepare your taxes is another
option, of course, and several sites offer advice for picking the right
one. The
is going to be up front and never sign a blank return. Other pointers
tell how to check a preparer’s qualifications and background.
The eHow.com site reminds you to be sure you really need a preparer. Software may be the best bet for simple returns.
Source: McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
