We are but six weeks away from the tax return filing deadline. Below are six IRS approved tips to make filing your 2024 tax return easier:

1. Gather your information: Locate all documents and information needed to prepare your return. Necessary documents include W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, 1095-A, digital asset transaction logs and any other applicable income and deduction documents. Do not file your return until you have received all necessary documents. Make sure you also have information such as accurate social security numbers to be included in the return and bank routing and account numbers.

2. Report all income: Avoid future inquiries from the IRS by assuring that all income is reported on the return. Do not neglect to include part time/seasonal income, self-employment income, investment income and goods sold and services provided through internet platforms or mobile apps.

3. Technology is your friend:

a) Use tax return preparation software to avoid or minimize mathematical errors.

b)File the return electronically. Electronic returns provide proof that the return was delivered and accepted by the IRS and speeds up processing of the return. A paper return which must be mailed may be lost or delayed in the mail and will generally take longer for the IRS to process.

c)Make electronic payments for any tax owed. Electronic payments are safe and secure and provide immediate proof of payment.

d) Receive you refund electronically. Electronic refunds are the fastest way to receive your money. Review your return to assure that the bank account and routing numbers provided are accurate.

4. Free filing resources: If you qualify, there are several resources to assist you in filing your return. These include:

a)IRS Free File-This is an online alternative to filing a paper return. The service is free and available to taxpayers earning  less than $84,000.

b) Direct File-This program began as a pilot program last year and is available in 25 states. The service is available in Florida. It is a free program and is a tax preparation software similar to other commercially available programs. IRS representatives are available to assist. This service is available to taxpayers having less than $200,000 of wages (or $168,600 if there was more than one employer).

c) Free Fillable Forms-This program is available to those earning over $200,000. You would be preparing your own tax forms with no assistance.

d) VITA- The VITA program volunteers prepare tax returns free of charge. The program is available to: (i) taxpayers who earn less than $67,000, (ii) taxpayers who are disabled, (iii) taxpayers who speak limited English or (iv) taxpayers who are 60 years of age or older. The volunteers are part of an IRS sanctioned VITA or Tax Counseling for the Elderly program.

e) Miltax-This service is available to members of the military, qualifying veterans and their families and can be used to file federal returns electronically and up to three state returns for free. There are no income limitations for those who qualify.

5. Think about and choose how you will prepare and file your return. You can do it yourself (manually), you can use tax preparation software, you can use the IRS free resources if you qualify or you can hire a tax return preparer. When hiring a tax return preparer be very careful and take note of what to look for as they are not all as professional as they may appear. See: https://magdaabdogomezlaw.com/choosing-a-reputable-tax-preparer/

6. Available IRS resources: The IRS has online tools to help you with your return. You can get answers to questions, get forms and instructions, pay your tax and find the status of tax refunds. Go to irs.gov for assistance.