The filing season for 2023 tax returns will soon be upon us. A little advance preparation can prevent stressful tax time surprises. Here are some important steps you can take now to set yourself up for worry-free tax filing:

• Do one last withholding checkup. Time is running out to adjust your paycheck withholding to make sure you have paid enough tax throughout 2023. You can use the IRS Withholding Estimator tool (link below) to make sure your numbers are on track.
• If your name changed in 2023, report the change to the Social Security Administration (link below) as soon as possible, preferably before the end of the year.
• Locate your bank account information, including both your account number and the bank routing number, so you can receive your tax refund by direct deposit.
• Watch for year-end income statements, especially in late January and early February. These statements may include W-2 forms, along with 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-G and other 1099 forms. Note that some of these forms may come by mail, while others may be sent to you electronically. Keep all of the forms together and organized.
• Organize records for tax deductions and credits. These records may include Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement), tuition statements (Form 1098-T), medical bills, mortgage interest statements, and home energy improvement or clean vehicle receipts or invoices.

Waiting until the last minute to try to assemble these documents can lead to missing the filing deadline, so start early.

IRS Withholding Estimator: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator
Social Security Administration (SSA): https://www.ssa.gov/