Changes

Choosing the correct tax form could mean money in your pocket. Check your tax instructions carefully. Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, is a helpful guide to preparing your federal tax forms. It is available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Choosing the correct tax form could mean money in your pocket. Check your tax instructions carefully. Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, is a helpful guide to preparing your federal tax forms. It is available on the IRS Web site at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

== TT-2008-06: Should I Itemize? ==

== TT-2008-06: SHOULD I ITEMIZE? ==

Whether to itemize deductions on your tax return depends on how much you spent on certain expenses last year. Money paid for medical care, mortgage interest, taxes, charitable contributions, casualty losses and miscellaneous deductions can reduce your taxes. If the total amount spent on those categories is more than the standard deduction, you can usually benefit by itemizing.

Whether to itemize deductions on your tax return depends on how much you spent on certain expenses last year. Money paid for medical care, mortgage interest, taxes, charitable contributions, casualty losses and miscellaneous deductions can reduce your taxes. If the total amount spent on those categories is more than the standard deduction, you can usually benefit by itemizing.

• '''Forms to use.'''  To itemize your deductions, use Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and Schedule A, Itemized Deductions.

• '''Forms to use.'''  To itemize your deductions, use Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and Schedule A, Itemized Deductions.

== TT-2008-07: Advice for Choosing a Tax Return Preparer ==

== TT-2008-07: ADVICE FOR CHOOSING A TAX RETURN PREPARER ==

Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a preparer wisely.  If you choose to use a paid tax preparer, it is important that you find a qualified tax professional. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even when it’s prepared by someone else

Taxpayers who pay someone to do their taxes should choose a preparer wisely.  If you choose to use a paid tax preparer, it is important that you find a qualified tax professional. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for everything on their return even when it’s prepared by someone else

You can report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.  Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.

You can report suspected tax fraud and abusive tax preparers to the IRS on Form 3949-A, Information Referral or by sending a letter to Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93888.  Download Form 3949-A from IRS.gov or order by mail at 800-829-3676.

== TT-2008-08: Keeping Good Records ==

== TT-2008-08: KEEPING GOOD RECORDS ==

You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year. Good recordkeeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which in turn may make filing your return a less taxing experience.

You can avoid headaches at tax time by keeping track of your receipts and other records throughout the year. Good recordkeeping will help you remember the various transactions you made during the year, which in turn may make filing your return a less taxing experience.

* '''Check on your refund.''' Track your refund by clicking on the “Where’s My Refund?” link on 1040 Central.

* '''Check on your refund.''' Track your refund by clicking on the “Where’s My Refund?” link on 1040 Central.

* '''Details about important tax credits.''' Find information about special tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Saver’s Credit.

* '''Details about important tax credits.''' Find information about special tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Saver’s Credit.

== External Links ==

== External Links ==