Before you file your taxes this year new requirements and some adjustments may mean changes.
Because of a delay caused by the fiscal cliff, the earliest you can submit your taxes is January 30. Depending on when you file, you may also have to wait 21 days before receiving your return.
Tax accountant Elizabeth Crane says if you're filing with an agent:
- call ahead
- bring your social security card
- bring personal identification
- have all W-2's
- don't be afraid to ask questions
"Don't just rush into filing without having all the correct information," says Crane. "You just want to make sure you do it right the first time because amending it will take much longer and it will put you under a spotlight with the IRS, and if you can avoid that I think it's the better route to go."
If you're filing on your own:
visit IRS.gov before downloading any software
never release personal information
don't be afraid to ask for help
take your time
Crane says adults with children must now prove the child lives with them to receive any Earned Income Credit.
"You have to have something from the doctors office or maybe something from the school like a report card that shows their name and their address" says Crane.