6 Tips for Saving on Filing Your Taxes

Gold Piggy Bank Tax FormsIt’s that time of year again: tax season! But don’t fret just yet. We at Ebates have compiled some awesome tips to help you both maximize your refund and save a little extra on filing your taxes. Whether you are looking forward to a refund or expecting to send the IRS a check, these tax saving tips will help you get the job done.

1040 Tax Forms1. Take advantage of the simple tax-return freebies. Millions of Americans need to file only a simple tax return (1040EZ or 1040A) but they end up overpaying someone else to do it or fail to take advantage the numerous tax-filing freebies available. Many popular tax-prep companies will offer free use of their services if you are filing only a simple federal or state return, so make sure you check out those options first to save yourself some extra cash!

2. Need to file a complex tax return? Shop around! There are a lot of choices out there for picking tax-preparation services and software, but don’t let the abundance of options make your head spin. Costs can add up quickly if your return is more complicated, so it’s crucial to shop around before making a selection. First, establish what you’re likely to need this tax season by referring to last year’s tax return. Next, start to compare prices across tax-prep providers to score a deal on the software that best suits your tax profile. Make sure the service you choose covers your necessary federal and state filing forms. Lastly, don’t forget to keep an eye out for state and federal tax-preparation bundles to maximize your filing-service savings!

Donation Box Full of Clothes3. Deductions, deductions, deductions. Taking proper advantage of deductions can add up to some serious savings. Deductions can lower your total tax bill and could mean bigger, juicier tax refunds in April. If you have a job that requires you to purchase special equipment or apparel out of your own pocket, those professional expenses could be deductible. You can deduct charitable donations, too, including the value of any goods you’ve donated to Goodwill or other charities. No matter which tax-prep software or service you go with, double-check that you benefit from all possible miscellaneous deductions, such as childcare-related expenses and healthcare premiums.

4. Boost your tax refunds with credits. Credits are even better than deductions when it comes to turning your refund into Christmas in April. There are credits available for everything from daycare and college-enrollment expenses for your dependents to home-improvement costs. Become familiar with the credits for which your family qualifies because those credits can add up to an awesome refund year after year.

5. Keep your tax-prep software and guides up to date. It may seem obvious, but keeping your tax-prep materials updated can mean even bigger savings and refunds. Using the latest versions of tax-prep software ensures that you are taking advantage of the current tax law, including all of the latest deductions and credits that may be available to you. Keep an eye out for updates that include new credits or deductions for things such as energy-efficiency improvements to your home or a new hybrid vehicle. Pay attention to changes in credits and deductions, because losing or gaining either one could have a major impact on your family’s budget. Using a tax-preparation program such as TurboTax or TaxAct should automatically apply these updates, but double-check that your software is the 2016 version. Better safe — and maybe a little richer — than sorry!

Time to Do Your Taxes6. Timing is everything. It’s best to file your taxes early for many money-related reasons. First, filing early usually means you will get your refund earlier. Beat the April filing rush, get your refund processed early and all your friends will wonder when you became such a tax whiz. Second, preparing your taxes early is the best way to avoid a nasty surprise in case you owe the IRS a large chunk of money. Better to discover that bill early rather than the night before taxes are due! Plus, if you figure out how much you owe, you can ask the IRS for an installment payment plan to pay off your bill. Moral of the story? Start early! Once you’ve finished filing, you can go back to binge-watching TV guilt-free because you don’t have to worry about your taxes again until 2018!

 

 

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The Best Things to Buy in January

Woman Holding Shopping Bags

Now that the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping is over, you may be looking for ways to save more than you would at any other time of the year. Some strategic shopping in January will set you up for serious savings in the long term. For example, while everyone else is paying top dollar on spring clothing, you’ll find amazing prices on winter staples you’ll still need for the cold months ahead. Here’s our complete list of the most affordable things to buy this month, most of which you can find with Cash Back at Ebates.

Keep Your Fitness Resolutions

Looking to get ripped and trim for 2017? Retailers know this is prime time for clearing out their stock of fitness equipment, and it’s priced to move. Look for sitewide sales and discounts from sporting goods brands and department stores alike. We’ve also noticed many gyms offer amazing New Year’s discounts on memberships that could keep you motivated to move.

Stores to Watch: Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sears

Woman in Winter Forest

Grow Your Winter Wardrobe

As we mentioned, most people are ready to start shopping for spring clothes this time of year simply because they’re starting to appear in favorite stores. Don’t be tempted to purchase your entire warm-weather wardrobe now. Instead, find amazing clearance sales on winter staples. In fact, with warmer-than-normal temperatures this season, many brands are experiencing an overstock on coats and sweaters. This means big savings for you!

Stores to Watch: Nordstrom, Columbia

File For Less

Tax season may be months away, but those W-2s will be in your mailbox in no time, and it’s always a good idea to get a jump start on filing. We’ve seen great deals in past Januaries on income tax software and services, so keep an eye out. Just be sure the deal includes the cost of filing your state taxes as well—that often requires an extra fee. Always read the fine print.

Stores to Watch: TaxACTFreeTaxUSA

Modern Interior Decor

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Update With Fine Furnishings

January is also notorious for bringing major furniture clearance sales. Some sales go from 40- to even 75 percent off regular prices. New year, new living room!

Stores to Watch: Ashley Furniture, Horchow

Deck the Halls Next Year

Obviously, retailers will be almost giving away holiday decor this time of year just to clear it out of stores. Take advantage and get ambitious about next year’s decorating! This is the perfect time to splurge on that 20-foot LED reindeer.

Stores to Watch: Walmart, Kmart.

Take Your TV Watching Up a Notch

4K TV prices are bound to plummet after CES early this month, when new models are slated to be announced. Black Friday was the first time we saw significant savings on 4K TVs as well, which usually means the savings will continue.

Stores to Watch: Best BuySam’s Club

April Parks And Rec GIFTake a Hike

On January 16, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all national parks will offer admission for precisely zero dollars. This means you can visit popular parks including Yosemite, Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Olympic National Park—which all normally charge fees of around $12 per person. Explore wide open spaces without leaving one in your wallet.

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

The Best Things to Buy in February

Redheaded Woman Holding Shopping BagsWe’ve officially made it to the middle of winter: less-than-ideal weather, not enough sunlight and a serious case of cabin fever mixed with the mid-winter doldrums. The holidays are a fading memory and spring break dreams are still too far away to get excited about. But don’t despair! Winter is a great time to hunker down, get organized and take advantage of some seriously exciting online shopping opportunities and deals. Check out these three ideas to beat the winter blues with the best things to buy in February so you can take on the rest of the year in style while earning Cash Back at Ebates.

Working at Computer LaptopTax Season Deals – Whether you anticipate having to send a fat check to the IRS or you’re expecting a juicy refund in April, February is a great time to get your financial ducks in a row. Keeping your books in order can help you get a better picture of your finances and can even help you start saving for things like that desperately needed getaway. Grab some office supplies, start a new Netflix show and finally start tackling those piles of paperwork and receipts you’ve been ignoring for months. Here’s betting that you can finish the task before you even get to the season finale! Even if you don’t have the ambition to finish your taxes yet, tax software is one of the best things to buy in February because you can get some of the hottest deals of the year. If you see a tax software promo online, grab it ASAP because the closer we get to April, the less likely these sales are to pop up.

Stores to Watch: TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct

Woman Holding Smartphone at CafeSmartphones – Have the February blues left you yearning for some new and shiny tech? A new smartphone will put some pep in your step and help you get organized to take on anything else the year throws your way. Cash in on some of the awesome winter deals available from major carriers and take your February goals mobile with amazing deals on smartphones. If you’ve been itching to switch networks, capitalize on the current carrier trend that will pick up the tab and pay off your old network to make your switch super easy. Even if you weren’t considering a shift, it’s a great time of year for a fresh start with a new phone plan, so shop around to catch the best deal on smartphones and save even more with Cash Back at Ebates!

Stores to Watch: Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T

Living Room With Square ShelvesHome Goods – If you are stuck inside thanks to the current snowpocalypse that’s going on outside, you might as we make the most of it and freshen up your living space. It’s the perfect time of year to make some changes and clear out some clutter while you wait for the weather to perk up. Looking for fabulous living room or bedroom ideas? Check out design blogs, Pinterest and online furniture stores for visual inspiration on how to perfect your personal space. Winter is a great time to add fun, bright accessories and accent walls to your home for a wonderful pop of color and some February cheer. Take advantage of winter clearance events on big-ticket items like sofas, bedroom sets and more to give your home a new look at a fabulous price.

Stores to Watch: Home Decorators CollectionHorchow

Burrito Cat Galaxy GIFFree Burritos! (Cat Not Included) – Chipotle is working hard to earn back the public’s trust after their run-in with norovirus an E.Coli. If you’re ready to accept their “My Bad,” there may be a free burrito in it for you. Managers are now authorized to give away free food to get you back in their good graces and the company is running a promotion where the first 1,500 catering orders of 20 burritos or more placed for Super Bowl Sunday will receive a $50 discount.

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Where to Shop Tax Filing Essentials

Shop Tax Filing Essentials

Tax season is just around the corner, but there’s no need to panic! Get great deals online from these stores for all your tax prep essentials with Cash Back at Ebates.

Best Buy

Best Buy Homepage
In need of new tech to make tax preparation go smoothly? Head to Best Buy! For everything from tax filing software to printing supplies, Best Buy has the top brands and the tech support to back it up.

Savings Tip: Head to Best Buy’s Deals section to get awesome savings like Hottest Deals, Deal of the Day and to check out their Weekly Ad with the best offers, all in one place!

Office Depot

Office Depot Homepage
You know Office Depot is a great place to get all your office essentials, but did you know you can also score great deals on tax filing essentials? Grab highlighters, folders and anything else you need to stay organized all year long plus the software to handle your state taxes and federal tax return.

Savings Tip: Check out Office Depot’s Hot Deals of the Week to cash in on their best bargains!

Walmart

Walmart HomepageWalmart is a great one-stop shop for all your tax season essentials. Whether you’re looking for office supplies, the hottest tax filing software or a fun reward to motivate you to crank out your tax return in one sitting, Walmart has got you covered at an incredible price.

Savings Tip: Walmart offers super everyday low prices plus free shipping and free returns. Don’t miss the Daily Savings Center for today’s biggest deals online at Walmart.

Dell

Dell Computers Homepage
Power up with a new laptop or desktop computer from Dell and process your taxes in no time!

Savings Tip: With awesome deals, coupons and free shipping offers, you’ll have the computing power you need to finish your tax returns and a fabulous computer when you’re done. Win-win!

Rakuten

Rakuten Homepage
Check out mega online market Rakuten to get everything you need to keep your tax records in order year-round plus fabulous tech, tablets and more.

Savings Tip: Sign up for Rakuten Super Points for free and earn points redeemable toward future purchases every time you shop.

Staples

Staples Office Supplies Homepage
For everything from office essentials like printers and paper to the software you’ll need to do your taxes, Staples has great deals online.

Savings Tip: Shop Deals online at Staples to find coupons, weekly specials, everyday bargains and clearance prices on everything you need for tax season and beyond!

eBay

eBay CouponsYou probably already know that eBay is an incredible place to find just about anything, but did you know that eBay is also a great source for tax prep essentials? Get amazing deals on software, office supplies and all the other goods you need to survive tax season.

Savings Tip: Head to the Daily Deals section to get eBay’s lowest prices on tax season essentials like computers, tablets, software and more!

TurboTax

TurboTax Tax Filing Homepage
Want to speed through your state and federal tax returns like a pro? With TurboTax’s powerful software, tax filing is a cinch.

Savings Tip: Get started for free at TurboTax. Plus simple 1040EZ/1040A returns are free!

H&R Block

H&R Block Homepage
H&R Block
’s reputation precedes them as one of the biggest names in the tax prep game. The good news for you is that they are there to make your life and tax season easier!

Savings Tip: Need to file a simple federal tax return? At H&R Block, simple federal tax returns are free!

TaxACT

TaxAct Tax Services Homepage
Ready to maximize your refund and make tax filing a breeze? Head to TaxACT to get incredible savings on preparing and filing your state and federal tax returns.

Savings Tip: TaxAct offers their powerful online tax software for preparing simple state taxes and federal tax returns for free. Check it out!

 

 

Prices and Cash Back percentages are subject to change. 

Tips on Filing Taxes

filingtaxestips

It’s that time of year again, the time to file your taxes. Whether you’re a veteran expert, a loophole whiz, or a first time filer, we can all use a little refresher on the best ways to maximize our returns and minimize our liabilities. It might not be the most fun thing in the world, but filing your taxes doesn’t need to be a total drag. We’ve got you covered with tips for filing your taxes this year as well as where to get Cash Back while doing so.

taxstress1

1. Don’t put it off until the last minute.
While taxpayers don’t need to file their 2014 taxes until April 15, 2015, it’s never a good idea to wait until the final days to do it. Aside from running the risk of penalties, you might not leave yourself enough time to look into all of your possible deductions and credits thoroughly. And if you’re eligible for a tax return, who wants to wait for that check? Once you’ve finished filling your taxes, it’ll be a huge relief, and you can look forward to spending those returns on Amazon using Ebates cash back and coupons!

2. Hunt for deductions.
Filing your taxes might seem exhausting, but hunting for the deductions you’re eligible to receive can be fun in its own way. Things like moving more than 50 miles for a new job, donating clothes and household items to charity, or even job hunting can help you save money on your taxes, so it’s worth tracking your expenses and holding onto those receipts.

3. Determine whether to file jointly or separately.
While the vast majority of married couples chose to file their taxes jointly to save time, it’s not always the best strategy to maximize your savings. Try calculating your taxes both ways to determine which will be more financially advisable. It might take more time, but the savings are totally worth the extra elbow grease.

turbotax

4. Use TurboTax.
Around four out of five taxpayers file their taxes electronically, and have done so for the past three years. One of the most common ways they’re doing it? TurboTax. The super user-friendly tax filing service is clear, efficient with your time, and directs you to potential deductions.

5. Use TurboTax coupons & coupon codes.
While the basic TurboTax service is free of charge, additional features and premium services are charged accordingly. But fear not, TurboTax coupons and coupon codes from Ebates can give you substantial savings on your filing fees, so you don’t have to cut into your return before it even arrives.

Filing your taxes might take a while to wrap up, but you’ll feel great once it’s done!

 

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