Don't make obvious mistakes orforget attachments

The Steelers need to play a complete game before we can properly evaluate them. And they better do it soon, because Sunday nights game in San Diego is about as close to a must-win as you can have in Week Four. Otherwise, they could be facing the possibility of a 1-3 start. I think we all remember the last Steelers team to start the season that way.. Oregon Recycles 16,000 Mobile Phones in 2008 Through Verizon Wireless'HopeLine(R) ProgramCompany donates one million minutes; $49,000 in grants to domestic violenceagencies in ORPORTLAND, Ore., Jan. Kick Off the Tax Season - Get Your Game Plan Together With These Tips from theIllinois CPA Society CHICAGO, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ As the football season ends taxseason is getting into high gear. So after tuning into the Super Bowl, yournext move should be creating a game plan for filing your 2008 tax return. Inthese tough times you should get an early start - if you have money comingback to you, you want to receive it as soon as possible.

And rushing at thelast minute to file could mean costly mistakes and missed opportunities tosave money. Start bypulling together all the necessary paperwork, items like lastyear's return, W2 forms, interest income statements, documentationfor charitable donations, and if you itemize deductions, receiptssortedby type and date.Know the 2008 playbook. Check the IRS website - - for newtax credits and deductions including a credit of up to $7,500 forfirst-time homebuyers, real estate deductions, tuition and feesdeductions, and a recovery rebate credit for individuals who did notqualify for a stimulus rebate last year but qualify now.Avoid fumbling on the easy plays.Don't make obvious mistakes orforget attachments. Check your math; double-check your Social Securitynumber, your spouse's Social Security number, your income and anyother numbers or details.

If you were married or divorced during theyear don't forget to indicate a change in your status.Get past the rush - consider e-filing and file early As of January16,the IRS began accepting electronic filings. The IRS has expanded itse-file program for this year, including its Free File program, whichisavailable to taxpayers with 2008 adjusted gross income of $56,000 orless.E-filing encourages accuracy; filing early not only decreasesthestress associated with tax season, but will also help you get yourrefund faster.Watch for trick-plays.Be careful to avoid common scams. Theseincludephony refund emails, tax rebate scams and fake audit announcementsthattypically occur via email and ask for social security and bankinginformation. The IRS never contacts taxpayers through email; your taxrefund is based only on the return you file and no additionalpaperworkis necessary so never give out personal or financial information overthe internet or by phone. You can forward any suspicious emails .To score big, get a good coach and a great quarterback in your CPA. Especially in a year when your finances are a little more complicatedthan in the past, a CPA brings credentials, talent and credibility tothe game. They know your history, are rigorously prepared, and havetheknowledge, skills and experience to serve you well during tax seasonandtowards the ultimate goal of a stronger financial future.In response to the current recession, as well as other contributing factors,the IRS has initiatives to help financially distressed taxpayers maximizetheir refunds, speed payments and provide assistance to those struggling tomake their tax payments.