It's Tax Day! Tips from Diane Kennedy to Help Today....and Next Year

Time is nearly up for tax procrastinators - the deadline for filing state and federal taxes is midnight tonight. If you haven't done yours yet (and are still reading this), you probably need all the help you can get. For the immediate fix, here are some suggestions that will help you in the final tax-filing-frenzy (and get you better prepared for next year).

Diane Kennedy, CPA and best-selling author, hosts monthly online workshops focusing on how to be as tax-efficient as possible. Many of the tips below are from her workshops, as well as a few odds and ends via the IRS website - and my own experiences.

1. Use Free File to Prepare Your Taxes - Yep that's right. Free tax preparation and electronic filing available for taxpayers who earn $54,000 or less. Here's the link to e-filing.
2. Consider filing an extension if you need more time to file - If you need more time to get your paperwork in, make sure you file a Form 4868, Automatic Extension of Time to File
3. Request an Extension of Time to Pay - Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for the an extension of time to pay.
4. Call the IRS - When calling, you may ask questions to help you prepare your tax return, or ask about a notice you have received.
5. Double check your forms when filing - Make sure to check your social security numbers, that you have all the necessary signatures and dates, and if you owe the IRS, make checks payable to the "United States Treasury".
6. Copy all of your documents - If you don't have a copier available, check stores that sell business supplies - many of these offer copying services, sometimes free.
7. Get Help - AARP offers a service called Tax-Aide, and many preparation services like H & R Block have extended office hours today.
8. Locate a Post Office that is open late - Filing your taxes on time doesn't do much good if you can't ensure they're post-marked by midnight.
9. Take a break - break out the beverage of choice, or visit a pizza parlor, bakery, or coffee shop.
10. Don't panic - I know, easier said than done.
11. If using a shoebox as your filing system, consider getting rid of that and...
12. Be sure to attend the aforementioned monthly tax workshops hosted by Diane Kennedy.
13. And the most important tip - get an earlier start next year!

And for everyone that received a refund on your taxes - check out the great buys on eBay and celebrate!