The Internal Revenue Service offers a checklist to help taxpayers as they prepare to file their 2023 tax returns during tax season.

These six simple tips will help make tax preparation easier in 2024:

1. Gather all necessary tax documentation to verify its accuracy and avoid losing a deduction or credit. Taxpayers must have all their important and necessary documents before preparing their return. This will help you file a complete and accurate tax return.

Before beginning, taxpayers must have:

• Social Security numbers of all people listed on the tax return.
• Bank account and routing numbers.
• Various tax forms, such as W-2, 1099, 1098, and other income documents or digital asset transaction records
• Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.
• Any letter from the IRS citing an amount received for a particular tax deduction or credit.

2. Remember to report all types of income on your tax return. This is important to avoid receiving a notice or bill from the IRS. Don't forget to include income from:

• Goods created and sold on online platforms.
• Investment income.
• Part-time or seasonal work.
• Self-employment or other business activities.
• Services provided through mobile applications.

3. File electronically with direct deposit It is the fastest way to receive a refund. Avoid paper returns. Tax software helps people avoid errors when making calculations. Guides people through each section of their tax return through a question and answer format.

For those waiting for their 2022 tax return to be processed, here is a special tip to make sure the IRS accepts your 2023 tax return for processing. Be sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last year's adjusted gross income (AGI) on your 2023 tax return. Everyone else must enter their prior year's adjusted gross income from last year's return.

4. Free resources are available to help eligible taxpayers file online. Free help may also be available to qualified taxpayers. Free file IRS offers a free online alternative to filing a paper tax return. IRS Free File is available to any individual or family who earned $79,000 or less in 2023.

With IRS Free File, leading tax software providers make their online products available for free as part of a 21-year partnership with the IRS. This year, there are eight products in English and one in Spanish. Taxpayers must access these products (in English) through the IRS website.

People who earn more than $79,000 can use the interactive forms of Free file from the IRS. These are the electronic version of the IRS paper forms. 

Qualified taxpayers can also find free, personalized tax preparation help nationwide through tax preparation programs. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).

5. Consider which presentation option to use; each has its own benefits. Taxpayers should decide based on their personal situation and comfort level with tax preparation.

• File taxes in person.
• Use online filing services.
• Hire a tax professional. Choose a tax professional carefully. Most tax return preparers are professional, honest, and provide excellent service to their clients. However, there are dishonest tax return preparers who file false tax returns. The IRS has a Directory of federal tax return preparers with selected credentials and qualifications.

6. Don't wait when you call the IRS. Use the online resources at IRS.gov to get answers to tax questions, check the status of a refund, or pay taxes. No wait time or appointment needed – online tools and resources are available 24 hours a day. The tool of Interactive Tax Assistant IRS and resources Let us help you They are especially useful.