Six Ways to Take the Stress Out of Tax Time

Tips from the IRS to help you get through tax season.

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Don't Wait Until the Last Minute - Tips from the IRS to help you get through tax season. -- Britt MiddletonIt may seem like common sense, but waiting until the final hour to file means that you could be so rushed that you overlook possible tax savings or make errors in your filing. (photo: GettyImages)

Higher Taxes for More - According to a Tax Policy Center report, 88 percent of taxpayers would see their taxes rise by an average of $3,500 per year. Households with incomes of $50,000 to $75,000 would see an increase of $2,400 per year. (Photo: Comstock/STOCK)

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E-File - E-filing your taxes online through irs.gov, tax preparation software or through your licensed tax preparer can help you get your return back faster. E-filing also gives you more options to pay or defer payment until after the April 15 deadline if you owe taxes.  (photo: GettyImages) 

Taxes, Not So Much - What are American voters' top items on any president's to-do list? Creating good jobs, reducing federal government corruption and lowering the federal deficit are extremely important to 48, 45 and 44 percent of Americans, according to a Gallup poll published July 30. Environmental concerns like global warming and increasing taxes on the wealthy bottomed the list, each at 21 percent. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

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Use Free File - If you made $57,000 or less last year, you can prepare your return using free, brand-name tax software to help streamline the process (click here for more information). If you're comfortable doing your own return and made more than $57,000, the Free File Fillable forms available at IRS.gov/freefile is another option to consider. (Photo: Tim Boyle/Getty Images)

Accountant - Tax prep services may be easy, but they are no replacement for a pro who knows your financial situation well. Referrals are the best way to find a certified public accountant (CPA), but AICPA.org can point you in the right direction.  (Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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File on Time - If you can't pay what you owe by April 15, it is better to pay what you can in order to minimize penalties and interest charges. Most people are eligible to pay in installments through an installment agreement. To learn more, visit irs.gov or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676). (Photo: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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File an Extension - If your return is not ready by April 15, you can get an automatic extension for an extra six months using the Free File program. But be warned: an extension gives you extra time to work on your return, not more time to pay. (photo: GettyImages)

Use Available Resources - There are a number of online forms and publications online to help with your tax filing needs on the IRS website. (Photo: Internal Revenue Service)

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Stay in the Know - To keep up to date with the latest tax news and to learn more about choosing the right filing method for you, visit the irs.gov. (photo: Internal Revenue Service)