?

1. Be Careful and Thorough. Avoid common problems like illegible hand writing, mathematical errors, transposition of numbers, and missing signature. These little oversights can end up costing you time and money if you are slapped with penalties.

2. Get Organized. Allow enough time to get your “stuff” in order. For example, properly categorizing your expenditures now will save you a lot of time later. Come tax time, you will be glad you grouped your expenditures by category (match it with verbiage on Schedule C if self-employed) and not by month or name of vendor payee.

3. ?Be Flexible. Timing your cash flow can save you money. ?In other words, always accelerate deductions in the year you are doing taxes for and always defer income, if you can, into the next year, thereby lowering your current year’s tax bite. ?If you fall into the Alternative Minimum Tax, you may want a professional to advise you.

4. ?Know When To Ask for Help. Tax preparation tools like TurboTax and TaxCut are great, but people with anything more than a straight W-2 (including anyone with even the smallest business ?Schedule C”) should be aware of the limitations of these software programs.

5. Don’t be Penny Wise and Pound Foolish. Hiring an expert CPA or EA to prepare your return is a small annual investment that can pay off big! Don’t do your taxes yourself unless you are a straight W-2 wage earner that takes the Standard Deductions (in other words, someone who doesn’t itemize or have any unreimbursed employee business expenses).

?

We are always in search of some easy ways to pay our tax. It may involve quicker submissions, improved accuracy and up-to-date methods.
Initially, when technology was not so advanced, you might have sent the required documentation to the IRS by the US Postal Service. But things have changed today and you can make use of the available technology and file the returns electronically, by downloading and retrieving information from the IRS. IRS e-file is an excellent service that provides the facility of electronic filing.
Before you file your tax return please remember the points listed below:
. First understand your state taxes.

. Check the due date.

. Check on the required documentation.

. Enquire about the tax form applicable.

. Choose an appropriate tax professional.

. Keep in mind that tax law changes for individuals.

. California conformity to federal law.
Paying your tax
. You can pay tax online

. Pay tax by credit card

. For banks and corporation use electronic funds transfer.

. You can request for an installment agreement

Once the tax return is filed
. Check the account balance

. Check the refund status

. Check the e-file return status
Electronic payment options for Individuals and Businesses
This is the most convenient, secure and safe method for paying taxes or user fees. Those who like to pay tax by this method can use their credit card and enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System of the US Treasury. Taxpayers can pay by check or money order. Payments can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Paying through electronic funds and EFTPS options are free.
IRS E-Filling
The IRS e-file program provides you some easy and adequate alternatives to file your returns on paper.
Choose the method of e-filing that works for you:
Try a Tax Professional
When you choose a tax professional in order to prepare your returns, always remember to ask for IRS e-file. Refunds are fast and in case of direct deposit, they are even faster. These tax professionals may charge you for the tax preparation and sometimes they may also ask for additional fees to provide the IRS e-file.
Make use of a Personal Computer
You can always choose your computer with a modem or Internet access and tax preparation software in order to file your taxes. It is very convenient to e-file from home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Free File
It is possible to prepare and e-file your federal income tax returns free of charge. Commercial tax software companies provide these online free file services. But, you need to know the criteria for the option.
Income Tax Payments for Individuals
Federal (Internal Revenue Service)
In this case, as you earn or receive income during the year, you also need to pay the tax. You can pay in two ways.
Withholding: In case you are an employee, your employer withholds tax from your pay. Tax is also applied to certain other income like gambling winnings, commissions, pensions and bonuses. The amount withheld in these cases is paid to IRS in your name.
Estimated Tax: Generally people who are in business need to pay estimated tax. Also those who receive income from dividends, rents, capital gains and royalties may have to pay estimated tax. It includes not just income tax, but also self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax.