TAXES

A (very) short note on what you really need to know.

This is a very short piece on what you most need to know.
Our other article on taxes can be found under the saving money portion.
It is more concerned with saving money on your taxes.

First and foremost: 
Unless you are absolutely sure of your ability to navigate your tax returns you REALLY SHOULD find a good accountant.
It's not easy to find a good account. 
It doesn't help that fewer than ever college grads are taking up accounting.
 In other words, it's getting harder all the time. 
Thats another reason you want to find and develop a relationship with a professional you feel comfortable with as soon as possible.

Having an accountant comes with so many advantages compared to the one disadvantage of having to pay for their services.
You will find that in most cases your accountant will SAVE, not cost you money. 
A good accountant will also spot any financial mistakes that you might not even realize your making.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a good accountant will usually be there with you if, for some reason you are audited by the IRS.

If you are audited it's so much better to face the IRS with the accountant who professionally filed your paperwork as opposed to trying to explain yourself, and your filings alone.

There really is just one more thing concerning taxes we need to do quickly here and it's this.
Most people overpay on their taxes throughout the year for the purposes of receiving a larger tax refund. 
Don't do that!

All that does is put YOUR money in the hands of the government for THEM to collect interest on. 
Ideally what you want is to have both federal and state to be balanced. 
That means you neither owe or are owed any money.
A good accountant can help you with that too.