Last Minute Tips For Tax Season

After many years of having the “tax day” creep up on me, I have finally found a few great guidelines to handling the last minute rush.

1) GATHER THE FORMS YOU NEED. You can get them off the Internet at http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/index.html. Or you can go to the post office or, if you are using Turbo Tax, the forms are supplied with the program.

2) GET ALL YOUR PAPERWORK TOGETHER IN ADVANCE. This includes W-2 and 1099 forms. If you have not received them by January 31, call your company. Don’t forget to save a copy for your files.

3) ITEMIZE YOUR DEDUCTIONS. Go through your receipts for the year’s expenses. This includes clothing and other items donated to charitable organizations, medical expenses, state and city taxes paid, mortgage interest and cell phone used for business. You can also deduct job-related expenses such as classes, training or books. If you are looking for a job, chances are you racked up expenses from the job search (resume printing, copies, and travel to interviews) – these are considered tax deductions.

4) CONSIDER E-FILING. Three great reasons: It provides a confirmation as soon as your return is received, it delivers your refund faster and there is no chance for your tax return to “get lost in the mail”. This web site lists the partners recommended by the IRS for easy online filing: http://www.irs.gov/efile/index.html.

5) ANY LOSSES FROM LAST YEAR? You are eligible for a deduction of up to $3,000 in net capital losses per year. Don’t forget to carry over losses from last year (up to $3,000 per year).

6) CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR IRA FOR 2003. You have until April 15 to contribute up to $4,000 to your Traditional or ROTH IRA, for the previous year. It helps plan for your retirement and may save you money on your taxes. While you are at it, contribute for the current year as well.

7) EXPECTING A REFUND? File as early as possible. Why should the government keep your money interest free for an entire year?

8) CUT YOUR TAXABLE INCOME. The main way to do this is by investing in an employer sponsored retirement plan (401(k)) or self-employed plan (SEP, SIMPLE).

9) EXAMINE YOUR MEDICAL EXPENSES. Take advantage of your flexible spending plan at work or a medical savings account if you are self-employed.

10) CLEAN UP YOUR HOUSE AND GET ORGANIZED! Your financial house, that is. While this seems so simple, using personal finance software, like Quicken, or keeping good files, will save you so much time and stress when tax time rolls around.

11) TAX-PROOF YOUR PORTFOLIO. If you are earning a significant amount of income from investment income, consider the following for tax proofing your taxable portfolio:

• Index funds

• Municipal bonds

• Matching realized capital gains with capital losses

• Mutual funds with low turnover ratios

• Maximizing taxable income to a retirement plan

• If you have realized capital losses from previous years, make sure to carry them over.

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Written by Galia Gichon
DOWN-TO-EARTH FINANCE

Galia Gichon, Founder of Down-to-Earth Finance, demystifies personal finance – particularly to women – through unbiased financial education. With over 14 years experience in financial services and an MBA in Finance, she does not manage money or sell investment products. You can subscribe to her weekly e-mail newsletter at DownToEarthFinance-On@zines.webvalence.com for smart tips to save more money and independent advice about mutual funds and retirement. She can be reached at 212.734.0433 and http://www.downtoearthfinance.com

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