Money Saving Tax Filing Tips

Money Saving Tax Filing Tips

The IRS indicates that the average tax refund was around $3,000 last year, meaning that many of us are actually looking forward to filing our taxes.

The following tips can help you to save money during the upcoming tax season:

  • Both TurboTax.com and the IRS website offer free tax filing to those who have an adjusted gross income of less than $57,000 per year.
  • You can take advantage of all the deductions that you are allowed, by using tax filing software for your tax filing, and there is no need to pay one of those expensive tax filing franchises. The market leader is Turbotax, with expert advice available from CPAs and even support if you are audited.
Free tax preparation here!
Free tax preparation here! (Photo credit: Neighborhood Centers)
  • Jeff Noll of Chicago is just one of thousands who has benefited from Turbotax. Noll points out that he has been confident he is getting every tax refund he is entitled to, and made the switch from a tax pro when learning that TurboTax included the advice of CPAs when needed.

Some tax software companies offer a generous discount to those in the military, and if you are military, you should take advantage of the Free File program offered by the IRS. Military filers often have specialized or unique tax filing requirements and you should look for a tax preparer or provider that can accommodate these.

You can even file your tax return directly from your mobile phone, if you use SnapTax, which lets you photograph your W2, and is just one of several low cost or free mobile apps that allow you to file and check on the status of your refund.

CPA Lisa Greene-Lewis also points out that you will receive your refund sooner if you e-file and choose direct deposit. Once the IRS accepts your return, you can potentially have your refund in as little as three weeks by doing that.

Free e-filing of your Federal tax return is offered by most online tax preparation websites; tax filing electronically also has the advantage of being more accurate.

Keep more of your money this tax season by following the above money saving tax tips.