Taxes made easy

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Just the sound of the date April 15th brings one thing to mind.
     
Thankfully, technology has made doing your taxes easier than ever.
     
However, with so many ways, how do you know which is the best?
     
For most, doing their taxes online is quick and easy; that's just what you want.
     
Of course, one of the big questions with online filing is safety. Identity theft is on the rise. The IRS even admits that they've given out $25 billion in fraudulent returns.
    
The solution is to make sure you using a secure computer with an "https" address.
     
However, online certainly isn't for everybody.

"For those that have extensive returns, and are not sure what deductions they can take, does it involve children, do they have dependents other than their children, they need to see a tax professional," said Michael Perkins from Larrison's Tax Service in Terre Haute.     
     
No matter where you do your taxes, it's important to have the proper paperwork.
     
Trust me, the IRS will be checking. If they have questions, your refund could be held up.

"Vehicle mileage is a big one," said Perkins. "If you drive for your job, they want to actually see a mileage log, and it has to be in a certain format and you need to know how to keep that format. If you're claiming other work deductions, they want to see the receipts."

Another big deduction to have paperwork for is contributions to a church or a charitable organization.
     
Even if you can't claim things this year, use it as a learning experience.

"A lot of people can't meet some of these deductions this year, and they say 'well, should I bother for next year?' absolutely," said Perkins.

After filing, you should receive your refund in about five to 21 days.

Another big change this year is that the penalty for farmers and fisherman to file by March 1st has been suspended. This is due to the tax season being pushed back two weeks.