Maximize your refund this tax season

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The clock is ticking with just five weeks until your taxes are due. This year, there are new ways to save.

With a new year, comes a new tax return to file and new tax laws to follow.

Larrison's Tax Service President Michael Perkins said business is up about 7 percent over the same time last year. He attributes a lot of that to changes from 2008.

"There are just so many new things that people aren't familiar with," said Perkins. "They don't want to take a chance of messing their own taxes up or getting audited so they consult a professional."

So what has changed?

One thing is credit for going green. If you bought items like new windows, insulation or a furnace with a good energy star rating you may be eligible for federal and state tax credits.

If you bought a new car, you can add the sales tax you paid to your standard deduction.

If you or your children went to college last year, you may qualify for $2,500 in credits with $1,000 being refundable.

There are also credits for first-time homebuyers and long-term residents.

Tax codes on items like earned income credits and qualifying dependents have also changed.

"My advice is if people have just a W2 and it's fairly simple return, you're probably okay with going with something online or buying a software package," said Perkins. "But if they have any of this stuff at all, they really need to see a tax professional to make sure."

When it comes to picking someone to do your taxes, Perkins said to ask your friends and family who they trust. Then ask the pro questions like, how long they've been in business, if they are licensed and what their starting rate is, before you let them agree to do your taxes.