Personal Income Tax Guide: Introduction

By Ken Clark

For many people, getting ready for tax season is about as much fun as planning a trip to the dentist. Just thinking about getting ready for tax time causes most people to get a pit in their stomach, and their blood pressure boiling. Sadly, just like it's too late to worry about cavities once you're sitting in the dentist's chair, it's too late to try and minimize your tax bite a few days before taxes are due. By being proactive and planning ahead, you can ensure that your annual appointment with the IRS is as painless as possible.

In this tutorial, we'll cover everything you need to know to get ahead of the game, including a look at some of the most misunderstood basic concepts, the most overlooked deductions and some steps you can take today to save yourself some money - even if you weren't the most prepared or diligent person last year.

To read more articles about tax preparation, see Common Tax Questions Answered, How To Owe Nothing On Your Federal Tax Return and Money Saving Year-End Tax Tips.