Doing your taxes doesn’t have to be taxing. You can make preparing and filing your federal income taxes easier by following these six tips from the IRS:

1. Use IRS Free File.  If you made $58,000 or less, prepare your return using free, brand-name tax software. If you made more and you’re comfortable doing your own tax return, use Free File Fillable Forms. This option is the electronic version of IRS paper forms. Go to IRS.gov/freefile to get started today.
2. Try IRS e-file.  You should try IRS e-file whether you do your own taxes or have them done for you. E-file is the safest, easiest, most accurate way to file a tax return. In fact, you’re 20 times more likely to make a mistake when you file a tax return on paper because e-file software will usually catch your errors. It will also alert you to tax credits and deductions you may otherwise miss. If you owe taxes, you can file now and pay later. The easiest way to do this is to use the Electronic Funds Withdrawal option to pay by the April 15 deadline.
3. Don’t delay.  Avoid doing your taxes at the last minute. If you rush to make the filing deadline and file a tax return on paper, you may overlook tax savings. You’re also more likely to make a mistake. An error will usually delay your refund and often causes the IRS to send you a letter.
4. Visit IRS.gov.  Go online for tax news and information. Make ‘1040 Central’ your go-to source for all the tax help you need to file your tax return.
5. File on time.  If you owe taxes but can’t pay by April 15, you should still file on time and pay as much as you can. This will minimize penalties and interest charges. If you can’t pay all the tax you owe, you may apply for an installment agreement. The best way to apply is to use the Online Payment Agreement tool on IRS.gov. You can also apply by mail using IRS Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request.
6. File an extension.  If your tax return is not ready by April 15, you can get an automatic six-month extension. E-file your extension request using the Free File program. You can also get an extension using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You should e-file or mail Form 4868 and pay any tax due by April 15.

Visit IRS.gov to get the tax forms you need. You can also call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to have them mailed to you. Allow at least 10 days for mailing.

Additional IRS Resources:

• IRS Free File
• E-file Options
• Interactive Tax Assistant
• IRS Tax Map

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the release of IRS2Go 4.0, an update to its smartphone application featuring new added features available in both English and Spanish.

The redesigned IRS2Go provides new features for taxpayers to access the latest information to help them in the preparation of their tax returns. In this version, IRS2Go highlights the addition of an innovative new refund status tracker, providing taxpayers an easy-to-use feature to follow their tax return throughout the process.

“The new version of IRS2Go provides taxpayers another way to quickly get information and help around the clock,” said IRS Commissioner John Koskinen. “The IRS is focused on providing taxpayers with convenient self-service tools like IRS2Go, which provides details on everything from tax refunds to free tax assistance.”

There have been about 3.5 million downloads of IRS2Go since its inception in 2011. iPhone and iPod Touch users can update or download the free IRS2Go application by visiting the iTunes App Store. Android users can visit Google Play to download the free IRS2Go app.

The newest version of the free mobile app offers a number of safe and secure ways for taxpayers to access other popular tools and the most up-to-date tax information, including:

• Refund Status. Taxpayers can check the status of their federal tax refund through IRS2Go. People simply enter their Social Security number, which will be masked and encrypted for security purposes, then select their filing status and enter the amount of their anticipated refund for their 2013 tax return. A new refund status tracker has been added so that taxpayers can follow their tax return throughout the process. Users can check their refund status 24 hours after the IRS acknowledges receipt of an e-filed return, or four weeks after mailing a paper return. The IRS reminds taxpayers the tool is updated just once a day, usually overnight, so there is no reason to check more than once a day.
• Free Tax Prep Providers. The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for taxpayers who qualify. This brand new tool on IRS2Go will help taxpayers find the nearest VITA site to their home by simply entering their zip code and selecting a mileage range. By clicking on the directions button within the results, the maps application on the device will load with the address, making it easy to navigate to your desired location.
• Tax Records. Taxpayers can request their tax account or tax return transcript from IRS2Go. The transcript will be delivered via the U.S. Postal Service to their address of record.
• Stay Connected. Taxpayers can interact with the IRS by following the IRS on Twitter, @IRSnews or @IRSenEspanol, watching helpful videos on YouTube, signing up for email updates or by using the Contact Us feature.

For more information on IRS2Go, products and services through social media channels and other media products, visit www.IRS.gov.