You’ve probably already heard the news that the IRS is opening the 2014 tax filing season on January 31, 2014, but there’s no need to wait until then to file your 2013 taxes. Exciting news! TurboTax is accepting tax returns today so that you can be the first in line for your maximum tax refund.
Here are 5 quick tips to help you get a jump-start on your tax refund:
1. Prepare and Organize
- Take time to gather your necessary paperwork, forms, receipts, and checklist for your 2013 taxes. TurboTax asks simple questions about you, but having your documents ready to go will save you time.
- Keep an empty folder next to where you keep your mail. When your W-2s and 1099s start to roll in you can keep them all together in one folder.
2. Remember What You Did in 2013
- Our lives are busy, but don’t forget that your 2013 expenses related to your job search, day camp for the kids, charitable donations, and medical expenses to name a few, may help you get a bigger tax refund. Make sure you have those receipts in hand when you go online to prepare your taxes.
3. Take Advantage of One More Available Tax Deduction
- Even though it’s already 2014 there is still time to contribute to your IRA, putting more money in your nest egg and increasing your tax refund. You have up until the day you file your taxes to make a contribution for 2013 and lower your taxes.
4. Double Check Social Security Numbers
- Make sure you have your correct social security numbers before sitting down to file your taxes. Incorrect social security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents will cause you to miss out on valuable tax deductions and credits.
5. Don’t wait to file.
- Last year about 75% of taxpayers received a tax refund and the average tax refund was close to $3,000, so there is no reason to wait!
I have been using turbo tax for years. Every year we get a refund and in 2013 we got about 2300.00 back. I just completed my 2014 taxes last evening and our refund is 38.00. This was so disappointing to me and I cannot understand why such a drastic drop. Our income even went down about 3000.00. Did tax laws change that much?
Hello my question is can i still file my 2013 taxes,and also is my first time filling electronic so I’m new doing that so any advice I’m a widow with a child and I’m self employed pls help.
Thanks T
Hi,
Yes you can still file your 2013 taxes and it is recommended before you file your 2014 taxes. You cannot e-file your 2013 taxes because the IRS closed e-file for 2013. You can download the 2013 tax software here https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products.jsp and you can file your 2014 online by going here https://turbotax.intuit.com/ TurboTax online is easy to use. You will just be asked simple questions and TurboTax does all the calculations and puts your information on the correct forms.
Thank you,
Lisa Greene-Lewis
Yes, but after April 15th it must be mailed in. You can still use the software. I’m in the same boat.
I have not filed my 2013 tax return can I still file?
Admiring the time and effort you put into your site
and detailed information you offer. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a
while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed material. Fantastic read!
I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to
my Google account.
I do not owe money,so I am just getting around now with my 2013 Taxes.
I didn’t do my 2013 can I still do them
Yes, you can do them online until the final extension deadline of October 15, 2014 or you can use the downloadable software. You can log-in here https://turbotax.intuit.com/ or download our software
https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/?view=desktop
Thank you,
Lisa Greene-Lewis
Hello Lisa, so is that the software I use to file my 2013 taxes?