5 Last Minute Tips For Filing Taxes

Tax day is tomorrow (or today if you are reading this on the 15th) - so stop procrastinating! The good news is that if you haven't filed yet, you probably still have time to get it done. Use these 5 tax tips this year and every year to make sure you maximize your refund and get the papers filed in time.

FILE ONLINE - Not everybody is lucky enough to be able to file an easy form that can be completed in a few minutes online, but if you have nothing to claim or itemize you should use the online options. TurboTax is an easy to use option.

FILE LAST MINUTE - If you really like procrastination or it really did take you this long to organize your taxes, there is still hope. You can file with many tax preparers up until late on Monday the 15th. H&R Block will be working on taxes until 6pm Tuesday night. Just remember the papers have to be mailed/submitted by midnight.

LOCAL EXPERT TIPS - You don't have to be savvy about tax preparation. There are people who get paid to do that for you. If you have questions or concerns about your taxes, or you want to save money on your tax preparation, make sure you file with a local tax professional.

FILE FOR AN EXTENSION - If you can't file your taxes in time make sure you file for an extension in time! This hopefully doesn't become another way for you to procrastinate though. You can file for an extension on the IRS Website.

KNOW WHEN THE POST OFFICE WILL CLOSE - This may be the biggest stumbling block in your filing if it comes down to the wire. Correct postage is a must. First-Class letter-size postage is 49 cents for the first ounce and 21 cents for each additional ounce. If you use a larger envelope, First Class postage is 98 cents for the first ounce and 21 cents for each additional ounce. Customers wanting certification that their tax forms are received by the IRS, should mail them using Certified Mail Service.  If you plan on going somewhere else - make sure they will be open and make sure you have enough postage.