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What Do I Need Before Tax Season 2017 Begins?

Ditch the stress! Preparation is key this tax season.

Tax Season 2017 is around the corner. There are important things to know along with forms and information to have before you sit down to file your 2016 tax return.

The most important thing to remember before filing your 2016 taxes is to have all your ducks in a row. For example, if you’re itemizing your deductions, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to scramble together your receipts from the year.

How to prepare:

Know the start dates and deadlines:

  • January 1st is the first day that RapidTax with begin preparing 2016 tax returns.
  • January 23rd is the e-file start date.
  • April 18th is tax day.

Get organized: Make a list of everything you believe is tax related in your life. Start out with big things like college loans, mortgages, etc. then move to the smaller details like organizing daycare receipts, health expenses.

Know changes in personal details: Did you retire this year? Did you change jobs this year? Purchased a house? Maybe you got married or divorced? These are all personal details you will need to include on your tax return.

Know updated tax laws: Updated tax laws will indicate if you fit in certain brackets for paying more (or less) in taxes. Feel free to always check back here for the up-to-date IRS news.

Know your state’s tax regulations: Many people forget to focus on the state return. Specific states have specific tax incentives.
For example, in Georgia, if your child goes to private school and you donate to a scholarship fund, you may receive a $2000 tax credit on state taxes.

Donate: Charitable donations will help you save on your taxes if you itemize your return. If you have donated thousands of dollars of clothing to Goodwill, this will definitely benefit you. Continue reading “What Do I Need Before Tax Season 2017 Begins?”

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When Does the 2017 Tax Season Start for Filing 2016 Tax Returns?

The holidays are upon us and so is the 2017 Tax Season!

Before getting wrapped up in the feasting and celebrating, it might be smart to think about where you stashed that box of receipts for the year. That’s right! The 2017 tax season has snuck up on us yet again. But let’s get one thing straight. This is not a time to panic. In fact, if you’re reading this, you’re most likely ahead of the game already!

We’re here to help you get your tax situation in order. That way you can focus on the important things this time of year calls for.

Dates and Deadlines

It’s important to have some dates in mind or even marked on your calendar. Here’s the deal:

  • January 1st marks the launch of the RapidTax 2016 application! You can start submitting your accounts with us and get in line for the IRS start date to e-file.
  • January 23rd is when the IRS opens up the doors to e-file your return. If you have already submitted your 2016 return with RapidTax, then you wouldn’t need to worry about this date. We’ll submit it to the IRS for you.
  • April 18th marks Tax Day for individual returns! It is also the last day to file a tax extension. Here’s a tip… if you aren’t able to file your return by this date, then FILE AN EXTENSION (psst, it give you an extra 6 months to file, penalty-free)

Receipts and Documents

When preparing your tax return, you’ll probably need to have a few things handy. Here’s what you can work on digging up: Continue reading “When Does the 2017 Tax Season Start for Filing 2016 Tax Returns?”