10 tips you must read before filing your taxes

As April 15 gets closer, many taxpayers are stressed out about getting their tax returns completed and filed on time. Here are 10 tips to help you get your tax return prepared and filed with the least amount of worry possible:

1. Tax professional or DIY? Before you get started, you'll need to figure out whether to use a tax professional or try your own hand at doing your taxes. A competent tax professional will save you time and agitation, but likely cost more money upfront; keep in mind, however, that a tax professional may be able to maximize credits and deductions you didn't know about, which may prove to be more cost effective in the long run. If you opt to do it yourself, you'll save more money upfront but the preparation will likely cost you more in time, especially if you itemize or have a small business. A good beginning question to ask yourself is: What's more valuable to me, my money or my time?