:: Surviving Tax Season ::  

W2’s flood your mailbox and you begin to notice a sudden increase in advertisements for TurboTax or H&R Block, all providing a clear reminder that tax season is just around the corner. With all of the 1040EZs, Form 1120s, adjustments, schedules, child tax credits, and more, it's no wonder that just the sheer thought of tax season can trigger the anxiety that it is known to create. To help ease the stress that is inevitably approaching, here is a list of helpful resources available through the IRS to assist you as you prepare to meet the IRS’s April 15 deadline.

Special Instructions Regarding Some Key Deductions
Recently Congress passed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, which extends the availability of various deductions. Unfortunately, because of the late passage of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006, the IRS was unable to print instructions regarding these deductions in the Form 1040. Taxpayers in Virginia using a paper Form 1040 will need to follow special instructions when claiming two key deductions—Higher Education Tuition and Fees Deduction and Educator Expense Adjustment to Income. Special instructions for Form 1040 filers using these deductions are on the IRS website.

e-File Your Taxes
To make filing your taxes easier, the IRS has created e-File, an online tool that allows you to file your 2006 income tax return electronically. Not only does it save you time, but it allows you access to the most updated tax form information. e-File is available for individuals, tax professionals, and mid-size to large corporations. For more information on e-Filing your taxes, visit the e-File webpage.

Split Your Refunds
Beginning this year, the IRS will allow most 1040 filers to split their direct deposit tax refunds among as many as three checking or savings accounts. This option allows you conveniently manage your money in a way that you prefer. To do this, you simply need to use the new Form 8888.

Avoid Tax Scams
Each year, the IRS updates their list of known tax scams circulating the country, including phishing plots, claims from credit counseling agencies, and rumors put out by unscrupulous promoters. The IRS’s list of the “Dirty Dozen” Tax Scams of 2006 is available by clicking here.

Telephone Excise Tax Refund
The Telephone Excise Tax Refund (TETR) is a one-time payment available on your 2006 federal income tax return. Qualifying individuals will be refunded for telephone excise taxes that were improperly collected on long distance telephone calls and paid after February 28, 2003. Individuals, businesses, and tax-exempt organizations are able to request this refund. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions on the TETR, please click here.

Taxpayer Assistance Centers
For your convenience, any tax questions you have that cannot be answered online or over the phone can be brought to Taxpayer Assistance Centers located nationwide. The centers accept walk-ins, but may require appointments in special circumstances. The centers will help you with inquiries or adjustments to tax accounts, questions about IRS letters and notices, and payment plans for those who owe and cannot pay the full amount. To locate a center near you, use the Taxpayer Assistance Center locator.

Download Forms and Publications
While it is possible to find tax forms and publications at your local library, many do not realize that all IRS forms and publications are available online. You may download any form you need, along with instructions for each form, and simply print out them out. The forms and publications web page also provides instructions for ordering publications by U.S. mail. You may access all IRS forms and publications here.

If you have additional questions regarding your 2006 tax return, or have further questions regarding these resources, please contact the IRS at their customer service number, 1-800-829-1040 or visit their website at www.irs.gov.

:: National Nutrition Month ::

March is National Nutrition Month, a time for us to increase our awareness of nutrition and our overall health. For 33 years, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has used the month of March to promote the importance of making informed food choices. The ADA makes it clear that nutrition is much more than food pyramids and product labels. It is about developing a lifelong plan for health.

As such, the ADA has created an interactive National Nutrition Month website with nutrition history, top ten lists, quizzes, and healthy recipes. Use the following links to learn how to spot food fads, develop an eating plan for lifelong health, or learn if you should see a registered dietitian.

Nutrition Fact Sheets
These informational sheets provide nutrition facts on fats, oils, vitamins and minerals, and focus on everything from general nutrition needs to more specific needs, like children’s nutrition.

Diet Fad Quiz
Take this quiz to find out how much you really know about diet fads. Also, learn which warning signs show that a popular new diet might really be an unhealthy craze.

Top Ten List
Read through the top ten reasons the ADA says that you should consult a registered dietitian, including reasons such as if you need to lose or gain weight, if you’re caring for an aging parent, or if you have diabetes.

Healthy Eating Recipes
The ADA gives 8 healthy recipes that taste great for your family to try during National Nutrition Month. The recipes are in easy-to-print format so you can easily print them out and add them to your cookbook.

Remember, the first step towards effective health care is prevention. Take the time to find a balance between food and physical activity. For more information on National Nutrition Month, visit the ADA on the web at www.eatright.org.