It may seem too early to think about filing your taxes, but if you want to beat the crowds, now's the time.
Tax preparation agencies aren't too busy right now. But preparers warn that business will really pick up in the next couple weeks so you should get started right away.
"Folks that are expecting refunds generally will file their return within a day or two," says Jamie Sarkauskas, from Liberty Tax Service in Rib Mountain.
But there are ways to make your filing process easier this year, starting with organization.
Sarkauskas says that as things show up in the mail consolidate them into one folder or box to keep things together.
And even though filing online can be fast and quick, it can cause errors, delaying your return. An IRS spokesperson says many people accidentally transpose numbers or include inaccurate information.
"We always encourage people to double check their returns to make sure everything is accurate before you send it," says Christopher Miller, from the IRS.
And this year, the IRS has a new way to help taxpayers file. They've added a free smart phone application, which will allow users to get immediate information on the status of their return.
But ultimately, whether you're working through your phone, your computer or your tax preparer, you'll save yourself some time if you file before April 1st.
The busiest time for preparers is the next few weeks and the weeks before the April 15th deadline.
Get Started on Taxes Early