Tax prep tends to arrive just as life gets busy. A bit of structure now beats a scramble as April 15 nears.

1. Set your course early

Find out where you stand before envelopes land. Start with a quick estimate; use an online tax calculator to see whether you’ll owe or get a refund, then plan for April 15 or file an extension to October 15. A freelancer in Austin who spots a likely tax bill can start setting aside 24 percent of income instead of hoping March works miracles.

2. Build a complete document list

Create a simple checklist, then mark forms off as they show up in the mail or inbox. You’ll see a W-2 from each employer, 1099-NEC or 1099-K for side work, 1099s from banks and brokers, Form 1098 for mortgage interest, and Form 1095-A if you used the Marketplace. W-2s are due by January 31, so a New York teacher still waiting in early February should contact payroll.

3. Capture deductible expenses as you go

Log deductible costs the day they happen so none go missing: business mileage, a qualifying home office, and eligible travel. A Dallas rep with 1,200 work miles can apply the 2024 standard rate of 67 cents per mile, and save meal and hotel receipts as Publication 463 suggests.

4. Tune withholding or pay estimates

Match taxes to income so spring doesn’t sting. Adjust your W-4 at work to reflect a second job or side income, and send quarterly estimates through IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS in April, June, September, and January. A Phoenix nurse growing a 1099 telehealth gig can add an extra withholding amount in Step 4(c) to keep things even through the year.

5. Use tax-advantaged accounts

Contribute where it lowers taxable income and helps future you. In 2024, IRA limits hit $7,000, with a $1,000 catch-up if you’re 50 or older. HSA contributions are pretax; limits run $4,150 for self-only coverage and $8,300 for families this year. A Seattle employee nudging 401(k) deferrals a notch each paycheck can lower taxable income.

6. Corral receipts and statements

Choose a system you’ll actually stick with. Name PDFs with the date and dollar amount, keep monthly bank and brokerage statements, and scan paper before the ink fades. A Chicago freelancer might file “2024-12-15-Charity-200-RedCross.pdf” and keep receipts for any business expense of $75 or more, plus all lodging.

7. Identify credits you actually qualify for

Credits reduce tax dollar for dollar, so prioritize them. The Child Tax Credit can be up to $2,000 per child under 17, the American Opportunity Tax Credit covers undergraduate costs up to $2,500, and the Saver’s Credit rewards eligible retirement contributions. An Ohio teacher can also claim up to $300 for educator expenses without itemizing.

8. Decide between standard deduction and itemizing

Run both scenarios before you choose. Standard deduction numbers for 2024: $14,600 for single filers, $21,900 for heads of household, $29,200 for married filing jointly. In California, someone paying $13,000 in mortgage interest, $6,000 in property taxes, and $4,000 in state income tax hits the $10,000 SALT limit, so the itemized total may still lose to the standard deduction.

9. Pick the right filing help

Many simple returns qualify for IRS Free File or VITA for AGI around or under $64,000. Those with Schedule C income or equity comp might choose TurboTax, H&R Block, or a CPA. A New York City filer who worked three jobs and has a 1098-T for tuition could get VITA help at a Bronx site.

10. Set up next year’s glide path

Make tax readiness a monthly habit. A Minneapolis contractor blocks 30 minutes on the first Friday each month to file receipts and move cash for estimates. Put the quarterly dates and the April deadline on your calendar. Future you may even buy past you a coffee.

A steady plan beats a frantic weekend. Get estimates right, gather what matters, and file by the April deadline with fewer surprises.