It’s the most wonderful red tape time of the year. Growing up my parents always went to a tax professional. I started going to the same service when I needed to file mine. I think it was my second or third year the preparer told me that I didn’t have to file and if I filed with them my refund was exactly the amount I would be paying them to file my taxes. He recommended I file using online software for free or just not file and let the government keep my money. I liked that I had the choice, but I wanted my money.
Online Filing
From then on I filed online. It is easy, they check for errors and it works. I’ve never been audited. I did this when I was single and did it when I got married. It can be complex and problematic the more you grow, but if you stick to regular investments and bank accounts it is pretty straightforward. Partnerships stocks and similar things is when it got complex for me.
Beware of Dates & Odd Rules
Some tax forms have different deadlines, so be sure to know what you are expecting. For example, I had a K-1 one year and it did not come out until almost the tax deadline and was expected after the deadline. While a lot of forms have to be sent on or before January 31st, some are on different schedules. Look at your documents from the previous year and make a list of what you expect. Bank accounts, stock accounts, etc. all have forms but they also have rules that govern of the form is needed to be sent or not. On a savings account if the Interest is under $10 you have to report it but they do not have to send you a form.