Starting Monday you can submit your 2019 state and federal taxes. Federal taxes are due April 15, while state returns are due May 15.
New Orleans CPA Jerry Schreiber says his number one tip for filers every season is to efficiently organize your tax information either for yourself or your preparer.
“Have the information separated according to income and deductions, and what primarily would be a guide would be the previous year’s income tax returns,” says Schreiber.
Last year was year one for the major federal tax overhaul that eliminated many itemized deductions in exchange for a higher standard deduction. Schreiber says if you figured out the new process last year, just repeat it.
“The deductions, whether you are entitled to the deductions or not entitled to the deductions, is pretty much going to be the same as last year,” says Schreiber.
Schreiber recommends taking your return to a reputable preparer, but if you chose to go it alone just know the IRS offers a free filing tool called IRS Free File. You can find it on the IRS website.
“That would be a starting point to see if you qualify to use the free file, instead of having to go out and pay a preparer,” says Schreiber.
The tool comes with two packages, one for those making under 69,000 dollars a year, and one for those making over 69,000 dollars a year.
