Does the thought of doing your own taxes leave you feeling flustered before you even begin? You're certainly not alone if you feel overwhelmed, but a little knowledge and some helpful tips can help you to prepare your own tax return while keeping your hard earned money where it belongs - in your pocket! 5 Reasons to Prepare Your Own Tax Return

1. You'll save money! Tax professionals charge substantial fees.
   Many of them also charge per form, even if you only used one line on that form! Tax software products have made the process much less pain-staking, and are available at a fraction of the cost of professional services.
   
2. Maintain privacy by keeping your personal information just that -- private.
   You can protect yourself by limiting the amount of people who have access to your information.
   
3. Gain valuable insight into your finances.
   You will learn a lot through the process, as well as through yearly comparison.
   
4. You spend time gathering all of the information and paperwork anyway; including the time spent in and around your tax preparer's office.
   
5. You can complete your tax return at your own convenience, day or night.
   Also, you will not have to wait at the discretion of your tax professional's calendar.
   Tax software will also allow you to save your progress if you need to do it in portions.
   

Make It Easier On Yourself! Set up a labeled file (or several categorized files, if necessary).
Do this now for next year's tax season (i.
e.
"2009 Tax Documentation") and even better, make it a part of your New Year's resolution every year.
File tax documents immediately upon receiving them and be diligent about it.
At tax time, you will be glad that you did! Also, use a reliable tax software or online filing service for filing your tax return.
There are several user-friendly options out there that are designed to take the guess work out of it all, making the process a lot less stressful while maintaining accuracy.
They are available for a fraction of the cost of professional tax services, and many of these offer efiling, sometimes for free! Help save a tree! Consider efiling.
It will accelerate the process.
You will get your refund faster with direct deposit and you will save paper.
It is a much more efficient and environmentally conscious method.
If you still feel that hiring a tax professional is your best option, set your appointment early.
Tax professionals can book up fast, and you don't want to be left scrambling for an appointment! Feel Empowered: Educate Yourself.
Understand the tax laws as they apply to you.
You are responsible for all information on your return, regardless of who actually prepares your taxes.
When in doubt, the IRS website has a wealth of information at your disposal, and you can contact them with questions regarding your return.
A reputable tax software is not only efficient; it will reduce the likelihood of errors.
Many are designed in a question-and-answer format where you are prompted to simply enter information, ultimately formatting your entire return for you!