4 expert tips to make taxes less painful next year

36 million Americans filed their taxes in the last two weeks in 2022. If you regret waiting until the last minute, take steps now for next year.

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• About a quarter of Americans waited until the last two weeks to file their taxes last year.
• You can create a plan to file early next year with a schedule and an organization system for your documents.
• If you plan on hiring an accountant, it's usually best to take care of that by January.

While the official tax filing date is always around the middle of April (give or take a few days depending on the weekend and holidays — it's April 18 this year for most of the US), a large percentage of Americans still wait until the last minute.

In fact, in 2022, around a quarter of Americans waited until the last two weeks before the deadline to start preparing their returns, not including anyone who got an extension, filed late, or simply didn't file. According to the IRS, 103 million Americans filed by April 8, 2022, and 139 million filed by April 22, 2022.

If you're filing late this year or planning to request an extension, you may be wondering what steps you can take now to avoid the added stress of running late for your 2023 taxes when you file in 2024. Since we're only a few months into the year, you still have time to get on better footing for next year.

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1. Have an organization plan in place for documents

Lisa Greene-Lewis, a CPA with TurboTax, says one of the best ways to avoid filing your taxes late next year is taking steps now to get organized. You'll want to begin gathering documents related to your taxes all in one place throughout the year.

"You can keep a file and put the documents in as they come in so you are ready at tax-time," said Greene-Lewis.

Also remember that this file doesn't have to be fancy. It could be a typical file folder that you use to store printed materials and receipts as you get them, a digital file on your computer, or both.

The important thing is to save all your tax-related documents throughout the year instead of having to dig back through all your records to find them when you go to file your taxes once the next tax season comes.

2. Figure out exactly which documents you'll need

Logan Allec, who is a CPA and the owner of tax relief company Choice Tax Relief, also says you should create a basic document now that lists all the tax documents you normally need when you file your tax return. That way, you know what you could be missing so you can take steps to find it.

For example, your list might include items you get every year, like specific 1099 forms you expect to get from your bank, investment apps, or other sources of income.

"Half the battle when it comes to preparing your taxes is rounding up all your tax documents," said Allec.

Obviously, you'll want to maintain this list somewhere you can easily add to it, whether you opt for something like a document on your computer or choose to store information using pen and paper.

"If you open a new account or start a new stream of income this year, add it to the list since you'll likely receive a tax document for that account or income stream next year," says Allec. "That way, you can stay organized for next year and not worry about whether or not you've received all your tax documents because you'll know exactly which ones to expect."

3. Schedule time on your calendar now for next year's taxes

Most people use a planner of some type to keep their lives somewhat organized, whether it's a calendar that ties in with work, a mobile app, or the calendar on their phone. Either way, Allec says that you should figure out how much time your taxes take you to file this year and block out that much time next year now to remind yourself to do your taxes then.

Obviously, this date should be after you will have received next year's tax documents; if you had some documents that you didn't receive until March 15 this year, make sure you block out a date after March 15 next year to make sure you will have all your tax documents on hand as you prepare your taxes, he said.

4. Hire a tax professional early on

Sometimes even having your tax information somewhat organized isn't enough, and you need to make sure you start the process early so life doesn't get in the way.

With that in mind, financial advisor Brent Weiss of Facet says you should never wait to hire a tax professional if you plan to use one. He says January is the perfect time to line up some help for any year's filing season.

While hiring a CPA or other tax expert in January may seem ambitious, this will give you peace of mind that comes with knowing experienced professionals are taking care of everything for you.

Not only that, but you can "avoid waiting in line with countless others who delayed the process until the last minute," he said.