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Tax season can be confusing, frustrating, and daunting for new taxpayers and old hands alike. The tax code is one of the most frequently changing and complex portions of our law system, and trying to comprehend it can be difficult indeed. Following these simple steps will help you overcome the confusion and find an easy path to paying what you owe or receiving a refund.

Step 1: Gather Your Data

Tax filing starts with organizing all the information that you are going to need. This includes the obvious items, such as all forms sent to you by your employer, or anything else clearly marked as an important document. Remember to collect any relevant information from dependents, and make sure that if you and your spouse are filing together, both of you provide the necessary information.

Step 2: Decide How To File

There are a number of different options here. The first is to do everything yourself. While possible, this is impractical and usually unwise. Doing your own return means that you will need to have a detailed understanding of the relevant codes and laws. Otherwise, you risk potentially failing to file things correctly, which could lead to fines or even legal trouble. Unless you are very comfortable and certain that you are a qualified preparer, it’s better to have assistance. There is a lot of software available that can provide substantial guidance without the time investment required for professional preparation.

Beyond that, you can elect to have your tax filing prepared by someone through a larger company or by a qualified individual such as a CPA or Enrolled Agent. Check to see if the tax preparer has a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS, and is completing the IRS certification program. Whoever you choose, make sure you’re getting someone or something with the proper qualifications. Anyone can claim to be a preparer – it’s the knowledge and experience they have which makes them qualified for that.

Step 3: Bring The Information To Your Chosen Prep

This is often the most difficult and time consuming step. It is best to set aside several hours to just focus on getting things done. If you are planning to visit a professional prep company’s location, see if you can set up an appointment. If you have a specific time that you’re scheduled to be there, it’s much easier to inspire yourself to make it. If you’re doing your own, give yourself blocks of time and scheduled breaks.

Step 4: Wait For Your Refund

This is the easy part! Figuring out how to get your refund is the difficulty here. You can choose direct deposit and efile, which will have the money placed directly into your account by the IRS. It usually becomes available some 8 days after the initial tax filing. If you decide to send your forms via the mail, or wish to receive a check in the mail, that timeline can become dramatically increased.

When you break the process of tax filing down into steps, it’s a lot easier to get things figured out. It can be a complex and confusing situation, but with careful follow-through and a bit of organization it doesn’t have to be a hassle.

Author writes about a variety of topics. If you would like to learn more about how to get your refund, visit Liberty Tax.

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