2. Schedule an Appointment

The next step you may want to take to prepare for tax season is to schedule an appointment. The sooner you meet your expert, the sooner you should be able to fill out your tax return—even if you decide to apply for an extension. This is also helpful if you anticipate a refund, as it can help you get it sooner.

If you wait too long to book an appointment with a preparer, you may risk missing the filing deadline. This means you could lose the chance to lower your tax bills, such as by claiming a deduction for a health savings account (HSA) or an individual retirement account (IRA).