IRS Says – Get A Jump On Income Tax Filing

Dee Stepter of the Internal Revenue Service visited 'Mornings With Ken and Bernie' today and offered tips for filing 2013 Federal income tax returns.

According to Stepter,

It's filing season and even though we won't start processing returns until January 31st you can still get a jump on your taxes.  IRS 'pre-file' is open.  Tax preparers are preparing returns.  The volunteer income tax assistance program is kicking off next week.  So, help is out there.

We asked where to start on those returns and Stepter said,

That should be getting your records prepared but I want to remind everyone your employer has until the end of the month, until January 31st to send out your W-2.  So, you cannot file the return next week on January 31st if you have not received your W-2.

In lieu of a W-2 there's something you should never do according to Stepter,

Make sure you never file your tax return using your last check stub because sometimes you're making contributions to tax deferred retirement accounts, you have a cafeteria plan so your last check stub may not accurately reflect what you should be reporting on your tax return.

According to Stepter you can get more information by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-3676 or visiting the IRS website.

Mrs. Stepter had a lot more great information that you can hear in the interview by clicking the blue arrow below: