Getting started

• Avoid headaches, prepare taxes early
• Who must file a tax return
• What is your filing status?
• Which form — 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ?
• Should I itemize?
• Record keeping
• Point and click your way to tax help
• IRS has free publications on every topic you need
• Publication 17: one stop for tax help
• E-File helps refunds, payments
• Taxpayer rights a priority for IRS
• Tax materials and assistance in Spanish
• Need a copy of your tax return information? Call the IRS
• Toll-free telephone service
• Forms and publications – How to order
• Faster refunds through direct deposit
• Pay your taxes over the internet
• Charitable donations to victims of terrorist attacks
• Reservists, new enlistees may get deferral for back taxes
• Marriage or divorce - check your social security number
• Education credits can help at tax time
• Rate reduction credit and rebate
• Dependents
• Child tax credit
• Child and dependent care credit
• Credit for the elderly or the disabled
• What to do if you haven't received a form W-2
• What to do if you haven't received a form 1099
• What if you can't get a social security number?
• Tips and taxes
• Earned income tax credit available for working taxpayers
• Capital gains and losses
• Roth IRAs
• Selling your home
• Volunteer income tax assistance
• Changing your address? Notify the IRS
• Holocaust survivors may exclude restitution payments from income
• Alternative minimum tax
• Taxability of social security benefits
• Free help from the IRS
• Coverdell education savings accounts can make education costs less taxing
• Don't overlook home mortgage points
• Notices - What to do
• Tax assistance for individuals with disabilities and the hearing-impaired
• Don't be taken in by tax scams
• IRA contributions can be made until tax filing deadline
• Do you have a deductible home office?
• Gift giving
• Charitable contributions
• Deductible taxes
• Tax on child's investment income
• Gambling income and expenses
• Early distributions from retirement plans
• Taxable or nontaxable?
• Tax changes for business owners
• Ten ways to avoid problems at tax time
• How to prepare your tax return for mailing
• Where to file your return
• Need last-minute tax help? Don't panic
• Extensions of time to file your tax return
• Options for paying your taxes
• What to do if you can't pay your taxes
• Common errors to avoid
• Amended returns
• Refunds – How long should they take?
• Tax-tips for last minute filers
• Appeal rights