Trend Micro TrendSetter January 2009

Every year, more people file their taxes online. It's fast, easy, secure, and spares you that dreaded midnight trip to the post office on April 15. And depending on your income, it might also be free.

To get ready to e-file, first make sure your antivirus protection is up to date. This is particularly important if, as many people do, you have financial data such as Quicken files or credit-card statement downloads stored on your computer.

Next, find the online tax preparation service that's right for you. You can choose from a range of options varying from basic, unassisted filing to having a professional tax preparer review and sign your return. And, depending on your income, you may qualify for a free filing service. (For participating services, go to IRS.gov.) Paid tax-preparation services and tax-preparation software may also allow you to file for free or for a negligible amount.

As with filing on paper, e-filing will go a lot more quickly if you're prepared. Get all of your W2s and 1098s together. If you own a home, have your end-of-the-year mortgage statement handy. And if you're self-employed, gather up all of your business expense information. Having as much information on hand is kind of like assembling all the ingredients before you bake a cake. It's not strictly necessary, but it will save you a lot of time.

Once you've made sure your computer is secure, you've found the online filing service you like, and you have all your documents in order, you'll almost be ready to go. Now you just need a few pots of coffee and some free time!


Trend Micro Consumer Newsletter \| Security Tips, Tricks, and Updates		January 2009
	Get Ready to File Taxes Online! Here's How Every year, more people file their taxes online. It's fast, easy, secure, and spares you that dreaded midnight trip to the post office on April 15. And depending on your income, it might also be free. To get ready to e-file, first make sure your antivirus protection is up to date. This is particularly important if, as many people do, you have financial data such as Quicken files or credit-card statement downloads stored on your computer. Next, find the online tax preparation service that's right for you. You can choose from a range of options varying from basic, unassisted filing to having a professional tax preparer review and sign your return. And, depending on your income, you may qualify for a free filing service. (For participating services, go to IRS.gov.) Paid tax-preparation services and tax-preparation software may also allow you to file for free or for a negligible amount. As with filing on paper, e-filing will go a lot more quickly if you're prepared. Get all of your W2s and 1098s together. If you own a home, have your end-of-the-year mortgage statement handy. And if you're self-employed, gather up all of your business expense information. Having as much information on hand is kind of like assembling all the ingredients before you bake a cake. It's not strictly necessary, but it will save you a lot of time. Once you've made sure your computer is secure, you've found the online filing service you like, and you have all your documents in order, you'll almost be ready to go. Now you just need a few pots of coffee and some free time! < Back to main page
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