1. File on Time
The 2006 filing deadline for both Federal and most State tax returns is Monday, April 17, 2007. The April 15 statutory deadline for income-tax filing falls on a Saturday this year. When that happens, the IRS typically pushes the deadline to the first business day, so the IRS has pushed the deadline back to April 17.

2. Review Your Return
Make sure all your name, address and especially your social security numbers are listed correctly. Also be sure to include all W-2s and necessary schedules with your return.

3. Sign It and Date the Tax Returns
Many Taxpayers forget to sign and date the return. For a joint return, both spouses must sign and date it even if one is not reporting any income.

4. Postage
For those Taxpayer mailing the Tax returns, make sure envelopes are addressed legibly and have the correct amount of postage. Registered mail is almost always recommended method of mailing Tax returns to the IRS.

5. Extensions
An automatic six-month extension is available by filing Form 4868 with the IRS. This extension form must be filed by April 17th. The extension enables the taxpayer extra time to get the paperwork to the IRS, but it does not extend the time you have to pay any tax due.

6. Enclose Check with Tax Return, if due.
If making a payment, write check payable to "United States Treasury" (NOT IRS), sign the check, make sure you put Taxpayer's SSN and Tax Year 2006.

7. Check Mailing Address
Prior to mailing tax returns, ensure that the filing address is correct for both the Federal and State Tax returns. Usually, the preparer will prepare a Client letter that provides the address for both Federal and State Tax Returns. Check the address label corresponds to the filing addresses on Client Letter.

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