What you need to know before doing your taxes online.

(ARA) – It now takes more than 71,000 pages to cover and explain federal tax laws. So it’s not surprising the vast majority of taxpayers look for help preparing and filing their tax returns. Use of online tax preparation and e-filing continues to grow at record rates. In fact, more than 32 million taxpayers e-filed their tax returns from home last year, according to the Internal Revenue Service.

“Online tax prep can take a lot of the hassle out of doing your taxes,” says Gary Lundberg, product management director for CompleteTax (www.CompleteTax.com), an online income tax preparation and e-filing service. “But you want to make sure you use a program that best meets your needs.”

A recent independently conducted survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers found that the most important factors to taxpayers in getting their taxes done are:

* Accuracy

* Safety and security

* Help and support

* Affordability

* Ease of use

* The best refund

According to Lundberg, questions you should look to answer when evaluating online tax programs are:

1. Does the program automatically check for accuracy?

Data entry errors and failing to enter key information, such as Social Security numbers, are some of the most common mistakes people make in preparing their taxes. Make certain the program automatically checks for errors or oversights. The program should provide links to the problems to help you quickly correct potentially costly mistakes.

2. Is the site secure?

You want to use an online program that encrypts your data using recognized security standards. Only use e-file programs that have been tested and approved by the IRS. These will display the IRS e-file logo on their home page.

3. What are the help options?

Ideally, the program should be straightforward, allowing you to finish your tax returns on your own. But you will want comprehensive help should you run into a question you can’t answer. So make sure the online tax program provides help resources on every page and offers support via e-mail or live online chat.

4. Does it clearly show the cost of preparing and filing your returns?

The cost for using the program should be displayed clearly on the first page so that you can make an informed choice. According to Lundberg, many first-time filers and other taxpayers with uncomplicated tax situations can take advantage of free versions offered by some online tax prep providers. For example, CompleteTax’s Free version can be used to prepare and file 1040EZ and even certain simple 1040 tax returns. Even if your taxes are more complicated, there is online software for basic federal income tax prep and e-file starting at under $20.

5. Is it easy to use?

Most online programs allow you to try them before you buy. You don’t have to go to a store, purchase the software, install it on your computer and hope you like it. Rather, you simply go to the online program’s Web site and start using it. Before you purchase, you can make sure the online program you choose is easy to navigate and presents information clearly.

6. What features does it include to help maximize your refund?

Most taxpayers are concerned that they may be missing deductions or credits that could save them money. Look for an online tax program that offers tools to help you make the most of credits and deductions. For example, this could include tools to help calculate the value of charitable deductions, such as clothing or household items.

“Part of getting your taxes done right is getting the biggest refund you deserve,” says Lundberg. “You need to pay taxes, but you want to use an online tax prep solution that’s helping make sure you’re not paying more than necessary.”

More information on online tax preparation and e-filing is available from CompleteTax at www.CompleteTax.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SIDEBAR:

A survey of approximately 1,000 taxpayers asked them what they wanted when it came to preparing their income taxes. They said:

* Getting my taxes done right – 86 percent

* Getting my taxes done safely and securely – 76 percent

* Having the support and expertise I need – 70 percent

* Getting my taxes done as affordably as possible – 65 percent

* Making sure it’s as easy as possible – 65 percent

* Getting the biggest refund – 57 percent

The independently conducted survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for CompleteTax.

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January 30, 2010 | Filed Under Mompreneur Tips, entrepreneurship | Leave a Comment 

Your 2010 marketing tool box: Press Releases

If you don’t currently utilize press releases as a marketing tool for your business, you might be missing out on an easy tool that could increase your exposure and bottom line.

Over several years, I’ve learned there are some specific, quick truths about press releases.

  • You can never be 100% sure your press release will be printed (if submitted to a print publication) or picked up by other sites (if submitted online).
  • There are no guarantees that a press release will bring you new business (much like there is no guarantee that if you make outbound calls for a client you will get a live person on the phone and book an appointment…you just can’t guarantee that).
  • It takes consistency and quality to produce a good press release and visible results. (You may have to submit several press releases before one even gets printed and you may not get any bites after just one, two or three press releases).
  • Press releases are just one tool from your marketing tool box.  Don’t expect that solely submitting press releases once a quarter or once a month will generate all the interest and business you desire.

With any marketing tool, you have to be consistent, clear and target your communications to your desired clientele.  In order to develop a sound, consistent and clear press release, follow these steps.

  • Speak to Your Target Market – don’t develop press releases with sophisticated technical speak imbedded in it unless you are 100% sure your target market will comprehend and value that language.  Speak their language; appeal to their vocabulary.
  • Keep it Simple – Typically a press release should be one page and highlight your news in the headline and summary at top.  If it’s too wordy, people won’t read it…just think of how busy we all are. Everyone is so inundated with news, tips, etc. that often we have to be very selective of what we choose to read.  Remember, simplified public relations is best…don’t over-think it.
  • Hook Them at hello – The headline is the first thing readers and journalists will see.  If they don’t have interest in your headline, they likely won’t read your summary or click the link (if your press release was submitted online).  Make your headline stand out and identify your business name or yourself in the headline.
  • Consistency is Key – You won’t grow your exposure or gain new clients after just one press release.  It’s wise to have a plan and schedule consistent press releases geared toward the time of year, product launches, or specific events throughout the year you will be participating in.

Develop a press release for volunteer events or activities you participate in (as long as it is okay with that organization for you to share your relationship with them). 

Did you help Habitat for Humanity this year?

Did you donate money in your business name to a worthy cause?

Are you an active volunteer in your local chamber of commerce?

This type of press release would illustrate your commitment to community. If you are launching a product in January, schedule a press release marketing that product launch once a month until product launch.  You can always change the copy within the releases each time providing updated or new information.  That will help build interest in your product and maybe even motivate you to complete work on the development of that product sooner!

  • When in doubt, get help – If you are at a standstill with how to develop a quality press release, what to write about and which industries or publications to target; get help.  Ask a colleague or person in your networking group if they or someone they know can brainstorm with you.  Or hire a VA that specializes in writing and press release development to help you throughout the process.

It takes a small effort to develop a good, one page press release to submit online and to your local print publications.  And if you know someone affiliated with or working for one of the local publications, try to build a relationship with them.  Journalists are inundated with press releases and submissions on a daily basis.  Building and maintaining relationships with key journalists would benefit you in your marketing efforts and show your commitment to your business. Finally, who hasn’t heard the saying, “you have to spend money to make money”?  To build your business, increase your exposure and get noticed, you will have to make an investment of time and money.

Copyright 2010 Innovate Services & Teresa H. Berger, MBA

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January 1, 2010 | Filed Under Professional Virtual Assistant, Public Relations, Public Relations Tips, entrepreneurship | Leave a Comment