Time To Start Thinking About, Preparing For Tax Season

April 15 is months away, but the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is reminding people of simple steps they can take now to prepare to file their 2024 federal tax returns.

Rodney D. Bearman — IRS public affairs specialist for Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia  — said preparations like collecting important documents and banking information is key to a successful and easy filing.

“As with most significant events, preparation is the key to success,” Bearman said. “Having well organized tax records can make filing a complete and accurate return easier and help avoid errors that can potentially delay any refund that you may have.”

Bearman directed taxpayers to irs.gov, which hosts resources like an individual online account as well as tips, tricks and other information to simplify filing. One simple tool with a potentially big effect on tax bills is a tax withholding estimator

“If you’ve ever filed your taxes and had a large refund, or owed a significant amount, that’s an unpleasant surprise come filing season,” Bearman said. “Using the tax withholding estimator, you plug in your information, it’s safe and it’s secure, will help a taxpayer understand what they need to adjust to withholding so that they avoid a surprise come filing season.”

Taxpayers can also get help on the website finding reputable tax preparers, as well as low income preparation resources via the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs.

“It’s important to know that the IRS supports and understands that taxpayers will always have choices when it comes to filing their return,” Bearman said. “And in order to help taxpayers, the IRS has resources to help choose a tax professional on irs.gov, and taxpayers can find information to get them connected with free filing programs like VITA or TCE.”

Bearman suggests taxpayers file electronically and choose direct deposit for the fastest and safest refunds.