How to Get a Head Start on Your Taxes

Beginner 15 min 11 steps 25551 views Rating: 4.0/5 Published: 2026-04-01

Change your allowances if you owed taxes for the previous tax year.. Calculate estimated taxes if you work as an independent contractor.. Make additional tax payments if your withholding comes up short.

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Steps

1

Change your allowances if you owed taxes for the previous tax year.

Step 1

Change your allowances if you owed taxes for the previous tax year.

2

Calculate estimated taxes if you work as an independent contractor.

Step 2

Calculate estimated taxes if you work as an independent contractor.

3

Make additional tax payments if your withholding comes up short.

Step 3

Make additional tax payments if your withholding comes up short.

4

Use your last tax return to determine what documents you need.

Step 4

Use your last tax return to determine what documents you need.

5

Make a list of all forms of income you receive.

Step 5

Make a list of all forms of income you receive.

6

Create a filing system for receipts and statements.

Step 6

Create a filing system for receipts and statements.

7

Get in the habit of filing receipts and statements every day.

Step 7

Get in the habit of filing receipts and statements every day.

8

Choose a quality accounting software product.

Step 8

Choose a quality accounting software product.

9

Complete the initial set-up of your account.

Step 9

Complete the initial set-up of your account.

10

Download the mobile app to help track deductible expenses.

Step 10

Download the mobile app to help track deductible expenses.

11

Update and reconcile your records at least once a month.

Step 11

Update and reconcile your records at least once a month.

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