Thank you TaxSlayer for sponsoring this post. Get simple pricing with no surprises when you e-file with TaxSlayer this tax season!

Tax season cometh! Already the memes of going from “ashy to classy” from the refund have begun on social media. *giggle* I get excited about tax season, for me it’s a symbolic end to the ‘business’ of the past year. *shrug* Most folks I know look like Kaya does above when talking about taxes.

I know tax prep sounds scary to some folks but I’ve always done my taxes myself. Luckily, they’ve been pretty straight-forward and not too complicated. Even after major events like marriage, buying a home and having kids, my taxes have been fairly easy to do online with a good program and a little common sense. I use TaxSlayer and it gets me through the process quickly. They’ve been in the tax game for 50 years. I initially found them through the IRS’s website list of tax prep websites.

As a freelancer now with multiple layers to my business, taxes started to get a bit more complex. I am using TaxSlayer for my personal taxes again this year (I tried a different service for 2014 taxes and went back to tax slayer for 2015 taxes) and this time I am opting to use their service where I can have a tax pro help me through any confusing parts if I come across them. (You can also get support over the phone if you need it.)

My top tips for slaying your taxes:

1. Keep your receipts and important documents needed in one place. This way you’re not stressed out looking for everything before you even start the tax preparation process.

2. Set aside chunks of time to get it done. I bang mine out in one shot and it usually only takes about 2 hours total (it used to take less when I was single and didn’t have to add John’s forms too.) If it’s your first time, give yourself a few chunks of time so you’re not overwhelmed.

3. Make sure you have everything you need on hand before you start. You don’t want to waste the time you set aside to file your taxes looking for additional items.

4. Get help when needed. Don’t guess and risk making a mistake. I mentioned earlier that I will be using the available tax professional’s help when I file with TaxSlayer sometime next month. I have also used the included help/guidance area when I’ve had a question or was just unsure.

5. Keep a positive attitude. Honestly, doing taxes on your own is just like answering a really long facebook quiz. It’s just data entry and you’ve got all the answers. So stay positive and git ‘er dun!

Will you be preparing your taxes on your own this year?

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.