Tax day may seem ages away, but the time will pass faster than you expect.  And you don’t want to be stuck in line at the post office as the clock approaches midnight on April 15th.

Start gathering together the documents you’ll need to do your taxes:  W-2 forms, 1099s, charitable contribution receipts, medical expense receipts, etc.  I find that pulling last year’s tax forms are a good start.  I look at the documentation I needed last year and go from there.

Once the documents are gathered, you’re ready to take the next step.  What that next step is is up to you.  You can do your own taxes, use one of the programs available for sale, or take the documentation to a professional. 

If the government owes you money, send the form off as soon as it’s finished.  If you owe the government money, wait until April 14th.  In either case, make sure that you make a copy before mailing or filing online.