The hassle of doing your taxes is still a very fresh memory. Use that as motivation to take a few steps now to make next year's tax preparation much less stressful.
In your rush to get your return filed on time, watch for these pitfalls. Some can be difficult and expensive to fix.
Tax pros estimate twice as many Americans will need to file gift-tax returns this year, after rushing to give away assets during the 'fiscal cliff' frenzy.
Be sure to verify everything your tax preparer filled in on the forms, because you'll be held responsible. You also want to double-check names and numbers.
Make sure you take all the deductions and credits to which you're entitled. That requires keeping up with changes in the laws.
Before you buy a tax software package, make sure it suits your needs -- and that you're not eligible to use free online filing programs.
If your taxes are complicated, you may need an accountant, lawyer or enrolled agent to make sure you comply with laws that get more complex every year. Here's how to find a good one.
March 15 is the deadline for some taxpayers to take action. It's also a good time to make a plan for how you'll pay taxes due April 15.
VIDEO ON MSN MONEY
DATA PROVIDERS
Copyright © 2013 Microsoft. All rights reserved.
Quotes are real-time for NASDAQ, NYSE and AMEX. See delay times for other exchanges.
Fundamental company data and historical chart data provided by Thomson Reuters (click for restrictions). Real-time quotes provided by BATS Exchange. Real-time index quotes and delayed quotes supplied by Interactive Data Real-Time Services. Fund summary, fund performance and dividend data provided by Morningstar Inc. Analyst recommendations provided by Zacks Investment Research. StockScouter data provided by Verus Analytics. IPO data provided by Hoover's Inc. Index membership data provided by SIX Financial Information.
Japanese stock price data provided by Nomura Research Institute Ltd.; quotes delayed 20 minutes. Canadian fund data provided by CANNEX Financial Exchanges Ltd.
TOP STOCKS
All hail the bull market, which ended the week with a big rally. But it also is starting to look a little like 1987, which suffered an epic blow-out.
MARKET DISPATCHES
The Market Dispatches column has been discontinued. Here's where to find the latest stock and business news on MSN Money, and the latest from market writer Charley Blaine.
FRUGAL COOL
Starting Monday, this site is joining forces with MSN Money Smart Spending. Here's why.
MONEY & POLITICS
Breaking up big banks is an untested solution to the too big to fail problem that attempts to isolate and dismantle large, troubled institutions while protecting the rest of the economy.
SMART SPENDING
Money lessons are where you find them. Use these tips to live long and prosper.
SMART TAXES
The IRS is struggling to combat identify thieves who file fraudulent tax returns in the names of older residents who don't need to file.
