NEW YORK
The calendar says April 15 is still weeks away. But for a stress-free tax season, the time to start is now.
With the IRS deadline looming, tax experts have a simple message: don’t wait, but don’t rush either.
“Don’t wait until the last minute, but also don’t rush,” said Tom O’Saben, director of tax content and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals.
The path to a smooth filing begins with organization. Gather all your documents early, sign up for direct deposit to speed up any refund, and keep copies of past returns for reference. These small steps, experts say, can prevent big headaches later.
This year, taxpayers should also be aware of new deductions stemming from the Republican tax and spending bill signed by President Donald Trump over the summer.
Certified public accountant Miguel Burgos, an expert for TurboTax, outlined several key changes: no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, deductions for car loan interest, and deductions for those who were 65 or older by Dec. 31.
The bottom line? A little preparation now can mean the difference between a frantic April and a filing season that actually lives up to its name.
By James Kisoo
