Tax Preparation Tool Box

Having all your receipts and records in place is a good start on preparation, but its not enough.  Our Tax Preparation Tool Box links below will help you get a better picture of the "real numbers".   

    

Valuation Tables - Determine what would be a reasonable value of that donation. US State Department of Revenue and State Tax Forms - Links to all 50 US State official websites. Tax Preparation Checklist - Use this checklist as your personal guide to compiling your tax documents.  It may save you time and remind you which tax documents you've accrued throughout the year. 2011 Federal Income Tax Estimator - Use this calculator to help determine your estimated tax liability along with your average and marginal tax rates. 2012 Tax Planning Calendar -  IRS Publication 509 - Don't miss that important deadline or cut-off date.

IRS Provided Tool Box Filing and paying your taxes should be as convenient as possible. That's why the IRS provides you with many helpful tools, including the following featured interactive forms, calculators and tools:   Free File Prepare and file your federal income taxes online—it's easy and it's free! IRS Withholding Calculator Estimate the amount that should be withheld from your paycheck for federal income tax purposes. Order A Transcript Order your tax return or tax account transcript online. Electronic Filing PIN Request Get your Electronic Filing PIN, a one-time code used to verify your identity when you submit your tax return electronically. Where's My Refund? Check the status of your refund online after 72 hours if you e-filed or 3-4 weeks if you mailed your return. Online Employer Identification Number (EIN) Get your EIN within minutes without picking up the phone or mailing/faxing a paper Form SS-4. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System Pay your federal taxes on-line or by phone through EFTPS, a free tax payment system. e-Services for Tax Professionals Register as an approved IRS business partner (e.g., e-filing tax professionals) and conduct business electronically with the IRS. Online Payment Agreement Determine if you're eligible and apply for an online payment agreement if you have a tax liability you can't completely pay today. First Time Homebuyer Credit Account Look-up Did you receive the First Time Homebuyer Credit?  You can now check the status of your FTHBC online 24/7  for information on your repayments and account balance. Other Helpful Tools In addition to the tools featured above, IRS provides you with the following: Authorized e-file Provider (for Individuals)— to find an Authorized e-file Provider in your area who can electronically file your tax return.   Free Tax Return Preparation for You by Volunteers—to find free tax help for people who generally make $50,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.   Taxpayer Assistance Center Locator—to find a walk-in Taxpayer Assistance Center if you think your personal tax question can't be handled by phone.   Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Assistant—to determine whether you are eligible for the EITC and estimate the amount of the credit. Spanish version available.   Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) Assistant—to determine whether you may be subject to AMT.   Sales Tax Deduction Calculator—to determine the amount of optional state and local sales tax you can claim on Schedule A of Form 1040.   Exempt Organizations Select Check—to find find an exempt organization and determine the amount of your contributions that are tax deductible, and other information about an organization's federal tax status and filings.   Did I Receive a 2010 Economic Recovery Payment? — to complete the Form 1040 - Schedule M, Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credits, you'll need to know if you received the $250 economic recovery payment made in 2010. Find out here.   Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA)— a new tax law resource that takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions.   Tax Trails—to get answers to many common tax questions.   Subscription Services (IRS E-mail Services)—to sign up for one or more of our subscription services that provide you with tax related news.