Your 2013 Taxes and Refund: Tax Tips From Inside the IRS

Preparing taxes can be a time-consuming, aggravating, confusing experience. 

Dave Stewart from the IRS has been sharing tips with readers, though, that can make the process a little less "taxing." Stewart's posts on McLean Patch help sort through everything from common problems to more specific issues, like investment income. 

Before you file that tax return, make sure you check out Stewart's blog on Patch here. 

Here are a few of his tips:

Combining e-file with direct deposit is the fastest and safest way for you to get your refund.

If you owe taxes when you file your return but you can’t pay what you owe 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 cannot pay the total amount of tax you owe you may request an installment agreement. 

If you use part of your home for your business, you may qualify to deduct expenses for the business use of your home.

Don’t rush. We all make mistakes when we rush. Mistakes slow down the processing of your return. Be sure to double check all Social Security numbers and math calculations on your return as these are the most common errors. 

More Tips and Advice

IRS tax tips are also available at irs.gov.

There's more tax filing info from H&R Block, including tax calculators and USA Today recently wrote up some tax tips on how to avoid an audit.

Fairfax County offers free income tax preparation to families who made less than $51,000 in 2012.More information, including locations, is available here.

Also see this list of accountants and tax professionals registered with the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Northern Virginia IRS Tax Assistance Center is open in Bailey's Crossroads.

Also see: Most Americans Expecting a Tax Refund; Many Plan to Spend It

Have you filed your taxes yet? Waiting until the last minute? Tell us about it in the comments.