Central Florida News 13

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Filing your federal tax return can be less of an annual chore. 1040 Central has the latest tips from the IRS. If you are doing the return the old-fashioned way -- by hand -- you will need forms. Links to the basic forms are found on the IRS home page. More forms are located here.

Articles in Central Florida News 13's tax series:

Once you have gathered the forms, the IRS has long list of tax law changes -- IRS experts say understanding the latest changes can lead to error free returns and faster refunds. How to find tax help on the Web -- Calculators and more calculators describes many of the IRS online tools.
What If I Lose My Job Or My Home? -- How do changes in your economic situation affect your taxes?

How to Choose a Tax Preparer and Avoid Preparer Fraud -- Beware of choosing the wrong tax preparer. The IRS explains how it can lead to trouble.

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Articles in Central Florida News 13's tax series:

Tax credits provide funds for first-time homebuyers, childcare, education -- tax credits reduce what is paid while deductions reduce the amount of taxes owed.
Recovery rebate credit people who missed last year's economic stimulus payment -- If you missed the last rebate payment, the IRS has online tools to help calculate how much you will receive. You can also check the status of stimulus payments.
Buy A New Car, Get A Tax Break -- Sales and excise taxes may be deductible on next year’s tax return.

Electronic filing and Refunds -- Filing online can prevent mistakes. It's also easier to check on the status of refund checks.

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Video Tips From The IRS

Video from the Internal Revenue Service can simplify some tax explanations.

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Taxes make many people cry according to TaxMama.com. The site suggesting humor as a coping mechanism.

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The IRS cautions taxpayers to use only the authentic IRS Web site by typing http://www.irs.gov in a browser. Click on "Espanol" for information in Spanish.
The IRS, Turbo Tax and TaxCut Web sites are chock full of tips and calculators. Both TaxCut and Turbo Tax have free programs for filing simple returns.

Free File -- a fast, free and easy way to prepare and file a tax return, if adjusted gross income is $56,000 or less in 2008

Find An Authorized E-File Provider -- taxpayers can find someone who can electronically file their tax return

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Alternative Minimum Tax Assistant -- determine if a taxpayer must pay Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)
EITC Assistant - helps taxpayers find out if they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Available in English and Spanish
IRS Withholding Calculator -- helps taxpayers make sure the amount of income tax they have withheld from their pay isn’t too high or too low
Sales Tax Deduction Calculator -- helps determine eligibility for the sales tax deduction
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System -- enables payment of taxes online

Online Payment Agreement - for taxpayers who cannot pay their tax completely by April 15.
Tax Payment Options
Check the status of 2008 refund online using “Where's My Refund?” Expect an update 72 hours after IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return or three to four weeks after a return is mailed.