When tax time rolls around, you're probably more concerned with getting it over with than getting it done. It's not that accuracy and completeness aren't important. It's simply that taxes are time consuming, mind-numbing and often frustrating. Likely most people, you look at it as a chore to get out of the way.



If you utilize tax preparation software, you can get it out of the way even faster. These programs are up to date with the current year's tax code (so you don't have to be) and guide you step by step through the process. When you're finished, you provide a few pieces of information to verify who you are and can easily send your return directly to the Internal Revenue Service. This whole process is electronic, so you never need to print out extra copies of a form that you accidentally smudged.

The best way to prepare for completing your taxes electronically is to organize everything. You may have already done this in anticipation of filing a paper return. If you haven't, group all your documents into smaller sections: W-2s, 1099s, interest statements, deductible receipts, etc. If you have all the like items together, completing your taxes on the computer will be much easier.

After you've assembled all your documents, sit down and begin using the tax preparation software. It will start from the beginning, such as your name and Social Security number, and continue on through the entire 1040 interview. Most software will also give you hints about what you can claim, or ask you questions about life events that may reap you a deduction.

If you live in a state that supports eFiling, you can move directly from your Federal return to your state return. Typically, the software will take the data you have already entered and copy it to your state return. This will prevent you from having to reenter your basic information or recalculate the total of your deductible receipts. Once this information has been transferred, you will be asked questions specific to your state to complete the tax return.

Once all the information has been entered, you should review the return for errors. Most programs have a built in checking method, but it's always best to give it a once over. If the software allows you to eFile tax returns, now is the time to do it. Simply fill in the information needed to prove your identity and within a few clicks of a mouse your return will be submitted.

The process may seem complicated at first, but once you have learned how to use it, the software will save you time and energy. Better yet, if you learn how to use the software this year, next year will be even easier.