| So it's time to file your taxes and of course you want | | | | deductions) |
| the biggest refund you can get. But what can you do | | | | 7. Check Entertainment Expenses - the percentage of |
| to receive every allowable deduction and maximize | | | | deductions for ordinary and necessary business |
| your return? Check out the following 10 tips to get the | | | | entertainment expenses and meal expenses can be |
| best tax refund this year: | | | | deducted up to almost 50% (be careful to check IRS |
| 1. Use a Computer - the IRS needs all of the right | | | | rules as these deductions tend to change every year) |
| forms in the right order, and a computer can get your | | | | 8. Examine Travel Expenses - deductible travel |
| data organized | | | | expenses include airfare, hotel stays, taxi costs, parking |
| 2. Get Help - use TaxACT deluxe, TurboTax, or | | | | fees, tolls and even tips given (a great practice to |
| TaxCut Premium to catch all of the common mistakes | | | | ensure accuracy is to keep a log book that records |
| and maximize your refund (the IRS even offers a Free | | | | the distances traveled so that you can correctly |
| File program that provides free federal income tax | | | | calculate your travel deduction) |
| preparation and electronic filing for eligible taxpayers) | | | | 9. Check Your Math - computational and even addition |
| 3. eFile - filing electronically will get you your refund in | | | | subtraction errors can cost you money or delay your |
| half the time of paper; and even better, will pick up on | | | | return (pay special attention to the Earned Income tax |
| any problems immediately so that you can correct | | | | credit and the Child tax credit, which are the two most |
| them before the IRS finds them | | | | miscalculated deductions) |
| 4. Don't Use Round Numbers - this is a big red flag and | | | | 10. Sign Your Return - sounds like a no-brainer, but the |
| will increase your chances of an audit | | | | IRS claims that this is a common mistake that delays |
| 5. Use the Correct Filing Status - filing under the wrong | | | | many refunds (if eFiling you can provide an electronic |
| tax category could cost you thousands of dollars in | | | | signature if you desire that keeps you from mailing |
| missed credits and deductions | | | | anything) |
| 6. Watch Medical Expenses - keep invoices and | | | | And now a Bonus Tip: prepare all year. Keep all of |
| statements of medical expenses that are not included | | | | your tax records, receipts, and other important data in |
| in your medical coverage so that you can claim these | | | | one place in order to speed your filing and make life |
| as deductions (depending in your income, dental | | | | easier. And remember to keep a copy of your return |
| insurance premiums or even premiums on health | | | | for six years in case there are any issues in the future |
| insurance can be shown as medical expense | | | | and for your reference next year. |