10 Things to Check

Kay Bell, author of Don't Mess with Taxes, provides a handy list of 10 things to check before you send your tax return. Most of her tips focus on making sure the tax return is properly assembled before mailing it to the IRS. There are four main reasons why someone is required to mail in a tax return on paper, instead of using e-file. In addition to Kay's 10-point checklist, you'll also want to avoid these 5 common tax mistakes.

If you think procrastinators are the only people filing this late in the tax season, then you should see how accountants handle their own tax returns. Very often, accountants prepare their own tax returns late in the year, long after they have helped all their clients file. Kay Bell is thinking about filing an extension while she scrambles to make some last-minute tax moves. I personally filed an extension last month, but then I finally found some time a few days ago to finish up my tax return and get it filed. If you are running a bit behind schedule, here's a 7-step plan for preparing your taxes.

How are you dealing with taxes at the last minute? Share your tips, frustration, or anxieties by posting a comment.