| "Our tax code is so long it makes War and Peace | | | | even worse, cheat you. |
| seem breezy." - Steven LaTourette, American | | | | * Have documentation ready. Who prepares your |
| Politician, (1954- ) | | | | tax return will need it when you visit their office |
| Ohio Congressman Steven LaTourette knew | | | | and you don't want to go crazy tearing up your |
| what he was talking about when he made that | | | | house to find the information, regardless of |
| observation about the United States tax code. In | | | | whether you or someone else is preparing your |
| fact, the tax code in this country is so | | | | taxes. |
| cumbersome that many tax professionals admit | | | | * Don't wait until the last minute. Starting your tax |
| they have trouble understanding the code. | | | | returns at 5 p.m. on April 15 only puts stress on |
| That confusing nature and constantly changing tax | | | | you and virtually guarantees that no tax help will |
| laws is a reason individuals may want to seek tax | | | | be available to help you. |
| help in preparing their returns. | | | | Of course along with the advantages of seeking |
| Tax help is available through many sources, but | | | | tax help, there are also disadvantages that include: |
| can also be done via the computer. Using | | | | 1. Utilizing tax help means you lose the option of |
| software or online resources for income tax help | | | | filing your taxes on your schedule, both in respect |
| provides the convenience of filing electronically and | | | | to the actual work and specifically when - late at |
| most programs ask users a series of questions to | | | | night, the weekends, while traveling, etc. Doing |
| help maximize deductions. | | | | your own taxes without help avoids waiting on |
| There are also tax services to assist in income | | | | whoever is doing your taxes, thus delaying the |
| tax preparation. Having someone else complete | | | | good news that you are due money back or bad |
| your taxes is a good idea for individuals who want | | | | news that you owe more money. |
| their taxes prepared quickly. | | | | 2. Doing your own tax preparation offers peace |
| The key is finding someone who is competent. If | | | | of mind. If you make a mistake, then you and |
| you are not using a family friend, check ask for | | | | only you are responsible. Doing your taxes |
| and check references for the individual or firm | | | | without help eliminates the potential for mistakes |
| you are considering. It's important to ask if who | | | | by someone else due to either incompetence or |
| you will be working with is someone you like and | | | | dishonesty. |
| perceive to be honest. Remember, if they make | | | | 3. Turning to someone else for tax help means, in |
| a mistake - either intentionally or unintentionally - | | | | most situations, that you will be paying them |
| you may still be liable. | | | | money. Instead of spending whatever amount |
| Even before you set out to find someone who | | | | required for tax help, doing it yourself saves |
| can provide tax help it's important to remember a | | | | money in the long run if you are take the time to |
| few things: | | | | correctly file your taxes. |
| * Know current tax laws and the deductions | | | | Everyone requires assistance sometimes. That's |
| available to you. An individual or firm you use for | | | | why tax help is important for the individual who |
| tax help can't help you list the deductions you are | | | | cannot understand his taxes, is too busy to file his |
| entitled to if you do not make him aware of | | | | return, or is just not comfortable about doing it |
| them. | | | | right. Seeking tax help can mean the difference |
| * If doing your own taxes, double check your | | | | between ripping off either the government or, |
| math. A mistake could well cheat Uncle Sam and, | | | | worse yet, himself. |