If you haven’t filed your 2010 tax return yet, you are not the only one in the boat of procrastinators.  The IRS says as many as 25% of filers do so in the 2 weeks before the deadline.  The great thing about this year is that those who wait until the last minute have 3 extra days to file!  Usually the date is April 15th but, due to a holiday in DC the date to file by is Monday, April 18th.  Here’s a few tips for last minute tax filers:

1.)    Have all your records in one spot like w-2’s, receipts, interested statements…

2.)    Do a preliminary run through for preparation.

3.)    Based on your income and deductions be sure to use the IRS for questions.  They have call centers that will help you prepare your taxes and answer your questions, like:

•    How do you qualify for the Making Work Pay credit?
•    What is eligible to claim as tax credit for the Homebuyer Credit?

4.)    File for Free with the IRS File Free option if you make under $58,000.

5.)    If after you have gathered your info, asked the questions and still can’t get your taxes in on time, you can always file for an extension.  Your extension can be for up to 6 months.  You don’t want to get in a situation where you have to pay a penalty of 5% for not getting your payment in on time.

6.)    Be sure to always keep a copy for your records!

Once you've filed your 2010 return, just think, you have a whole year before you have to do it all over again!

St. Patty’s day is over so we aren’t referring to green adult beverages and we’re not talking about Green Day!  Earth day is right around the corner and the non-green people are definitely missing out on some of the benefits of being a little earth friendly. There are people that are 100% earth friendly and have gone all organic while others just aren’t into changing their daily routines. 
 
Some of the easier ways to go green is by switching to paperless, online only bank and credit card statements.  This will not only save a tree, but will help reduce clutter in your home especially if you just haven’t had time to shred last year’s documents.  Another green change, that doesn’t really change your lifestyle, is to select a credit card made with a biodegradable plastic.  Or, if you need to use paper checks you can look into purchasing ones that are made with recycled paper and printed with soy-based ink.

Here are some additional tips that could change your daily routine and save you money:

•    Plug your electronics in to a power strip and by just turning that little button off, you’re going to save on electricity and put a little more change in your pocket.

These next two green suggestions may be harder for some to achieve than others. 

•    Find alternative means of transportation like walking, biking or mass transit systems and you can save money on gas and car maintenance.
•    When you’re on the go, try using a refillable water bottle and reduce the amount spent on daily bottled water. 
•    Start collecting your soda and beer cans as these can be recycled for a little bit of extra cash.

There are many other ways to be earth friendly that won’t affect your lifestyle that much. For those that love the idea of going green and being earth friendly but ask “what’s in it for me”, check out the incentives and take advantage of tax write-offs and the use of fewer utilities.  Do your research and soon you’ll be on your way to being green.