It’s tax season! JOY!! …said no accountant ever. But here we are, and like it or not, it’s time to gather your documents, file your tax return, and (hopefully) maximize your tax savings.

For many, tax season brings a wave of stress and procrastination—unopened IRS forms piling up, missing documents, and that looming deadline creeping closer. But here’s the good news: filing your taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation, thoughtful organization, and a clear plan, you can tackle tax season with confidence and be well on your way to enjoy springtime!

Let’s break it down into three simple steps to help you file your taxes efficiently, minimize errors & accidental omissions, and ensure you’re getting every deduction and credit you can.

Step 1: Gather Your Tax Documents

Before you even think about filing, you need to get organized. Your tax return is only as accurate as the information you provide, so gathering the right documents is important.

Income Documents to Collect:

Most of your income sources will be reported directly to the IRS, and you’ll receive corresponding forms to include in your return. Be sure to track down:

• W-2 – Employee wages and salary
• 1099-INT – Interest income
• 1099-DIV – Dividend income
• 1099-B – Sale of investments
• 1099-MISC / 1099-NEC – Freelance, gig work, or non-employee income
• 1099-G – Government-related payments (unemployment, tax refunds)
• 1099-R – Retirement distributions

If you have additional sources of income, don’t forget to document:
✔ Rental income (including records of expenses)
✔ Business income from sales of products or services (including any expenses)
✔ Capital gains from sales of other assets outside of investment assets

Deduction & Credit Documents to Collect:

Unlike income, which the IRS tracks, deductions and credits are up to YOU to report. If you don’t claim them, you’re potentially leaving money on the table.

Some common tax deductions and credits include:

• Mortgage interest (Form 1098)
• Property taxes & real estate taxes
• Charitable donations
• Significant medical expenses
• Childcare expenses
• Student loan interest
• Business expenses (to offset self-employment income)
• Retirement account contributions
• Energy efficient home upgrades

Having these documents on hand before you file will save you time, prevent mistakes, and ensure you’re getting every tax break available to you. Here is an additional guide for you to prepare for tax season!

Step 2: Consider Life Events That Impact Your Taxes

Your tax return is more than just numbers—it reflects major life events that occurred throughout the year. Any big changes in your personal or financial situation may impact your filing status, deductions, or tax liabilities.

If any of these life events happened in the past year, they’ll need to be accounted for on your tax return:

✔ Moved to a new state? Your tax return will reflect it and may change a few things from the year before
✔ Got married or divorced? You may need to update your filing status.
✔ Changed your name? Ensure it matches your Social Security records.
✔ Had a baby or added a dependent? You may qualify for new tax credits.
✔ Lost a loved one? You may need to make updates to their final tax return.

Take a moment to reflect on the past year and ensure all relevant life changes are accurately reported. These updates can significantly impact your tax return, so don’t overlook them!

Step 3: Choose the Best Way to File Your Taxes

Once you’ve gathered your documents and accounted for any major life changes, it’s time to file. But how should you do it? You have three options—each with its own benefits.

Option 1: Hire a Tax Professional (Best for complex returns, hands off tax reporting & maximizing tax savings)

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or tax professional can provide expert guidance, identify tax-saving opportunities, and ensure your return is accurate. While this is typically the most expensive option, it’s also the most valuable—especially if you:

✔ Own a business or rental properties
✔ Have multiple income streams or investments
✔ Need help navigating deductions, credits, or tax laws
✔ Want year-round tax planning, not just a once-a-year filing

💡 Pro Tip: A CPA isn’t just there to file your return—they’re a long-term financial partner who can help optimize your tax strategy and build a strong financial foundation for the future.

Option 2: Use an In-Person Tax Preparation Service (Best for simple returns & in-person guidance)

If you prefer face-to-face assistance but don’t have a complex tax situation, the funds to pay for a CPA and don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, a tax prep service (like H&R Block) might be a good middle-ground option.

Pros:

Quick and relatively affordable

Provides in-person guidance 

Handles basic tax questions

Cons:

Limited ongoing support, if any

Potentially less experience, expertise and value creation than seasoned CPA

Some community programs also offer free tax prep services for veterans, seniors, or lower-income individuals—check your local community and government website for resources!

Option 3: File Your Taxes Yourself Using A Tax Software (Best for straightforward returns & saving money)

If your tax situation is simple (W-2 income, standard deductions, no major investments or significant life changes), filing yourself with an online tax software can be a cost-effective option and perhaps all you really need. 

💻 Popular tax software options:
TurboTax – Easy to use, great for beginners
TaxSlayer – Budget-friendly and user-friendly

These platforms provide step-by-step guidance, making it easier to navigate tax forms and ensure accuracy. However, if you’re unsure about what deductions and credits you qualify for, a DIY approach could mean missing out on valuable tax savings.

Take Control of Your Tax Season

I know—filing taxes isn’t exactly exciting. But it doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming, either. By staying organized, understanding key tax deductions and credits, and choosing the right filing method, you can simplify the process and even maximize your refund.

If you’re unsure where to start or need help navigating your tax situation, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out with any tax-related questions—I’d love to support you in making tax season a little less painful and a lot more productive!

📌 Need more tax season tips? Check out my full guide on preparing your tax documents here.