Taxes are due in just over two months.  That means you have enough time to gather everything with care without making yourself nuts. 

Set aside a folder or a basket or a drawer for everything you need:  your W-2, any 1099s, your charitable contribution receipts, medical receipts, child care receipts, dividend reports, etc.  Make sure you have everything you need.

If you use a paid preparer, you're basically finished once you've gathered everything.  Just make your appointment and drop off everything you've gathered.

If you do your taxes yourself, you'll want to set aside several hours of quiet time to read the directions, do your calculations, and fill out the forms.  I always like to leave the completed forms aside for a day or so and then recheck my math.

Here are some important things to keep in mind:

• If you are getting a refund, send your taxes in as soon as they are done.
• If you owe taxes, send them in around April 10th.  No need to lose any more interest than necessary, but you don't want to be driving to the post office at 11:30 pm on April 15th.
• Avoid the temptation to accept a refund loan.  The interest rate is outrageous.
• If you provide your electronic routing info, you will get your refund much faster.
• Don't forget to keep a copy of your return and the supporting documentation in your folder.
• Take advantage of this opportunity to look at your deductions to make sure that your withholding is correct.  You don;t want the government holding on to your money too long.  At the same time, you don't want a huge bill every April.
• If you are getting a refund, think about the best way to use it.  If you don't have an emergency fund or a life happens fund, your decision is made.  If you do, you want to dedicate part to savings.  What you do with the rest?  A chaity bequest, a home repair or remodel, a major purchase (car, appliance, etc.), a vacation.
• Set aside a place right now for your 2010 documentation.  If everything is in one place, think how much time you'll save next year!