After 32 years of IRS work \u2014 and more than $100 million in resolved tax debt \u2014 I've seen just about every version of the problem you're dealing with. I'm Darrin Mish, a tax attorney in Tampa. Here's what you should know.<\/p>\n
When you file your tax returns this year, the last thing you would want is for something to go wrong along the way.\u00a0 Making sure you have got everything done right is imperative.\u00a0 With that in mind, here are 5 tax tips from a top Florida tax attorney especially for Tampa residents 33601<\/a>. \u00a0Click here to read or watch more IRS Help resources.<\/a><\/p>\n Firstly, do not put off filing your returns until the last minute.\u00a0 Procrastination more often than not will result in having to rush through filling up forms,<\/a> making copies of important documents, looking for receipts etc.\u00a0 And all this inevitably causes human error in one way or other which may result in delays in obtaining refunds or having to pay more taxes.<\/p>\n Secondly, it is advisable for you to visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.\u00a0 It is here where you can keep abreast with the latest developments on tax matters and more importantly, get instructions on what to do in making your tax returns.\u00a0 When you first login, I\u2019d advise going to 1040 Central as this is the section that is relevant to most taxpayers.\u00a0 Last year over 296 million visits were recorded at the IRS website.<\/p>\n Thirdly, I would also encourage you to file your returns electronically.\u00a0 Not only does e-filing bring convenience to all but it also results in a lower error rate.\u00a0 Those who use e-filing and arrange for direct deposits have been known to receive their tax refunds in as quickly as 10 days<\/a>.\u00a0 And you do not have to worry about whether your returns are safe.\u00a0 Over the last 20 years, more than 800 million tax returns have been made and processed safely through e-filing.\u00a0 This practice is getting more popular as more Americans file tax returns electronically than those who do not.\u00a0 Last year, 2 out of 3 taxpayers made e-filings.<\/p>\n You can file your tax returns electronically using tax software or by engaging the services of tax preparers<\/a>.\u00a0 If your Adjusted Tax Income is $57,000 or less, you may opt for the Free File program by the IRS.<\/p>\n Fourthly, make sure you pay on time, even if you cannot afford to pay the full amount you are liable for.\u00a0 The April 15 tax deadline<\/a> must be honored no matter what.\u00a0 You should try to pay at least 90% of your total tax due by the April deadline failing which you may be subjected to an Estimated Tax Penalty.\u00a0 If you are unable to pay at least 90%, just pay whatever you can afford but do so before April 15 to avoid being charged interest and penalties.\u00a0 You should also contact the IRS<\/a> to arrange for an extension to the deadline.<\/p>\n