Just a few years ago, you had to do your taxes by hand. Then came the option to download IRS tax forms, or you could go to a local tax preparer where they would fill in the forms online and print them out for you. Today, you can take advantage of Efile tax options that generally take less time, are more accurate, and very reasonably priced.

Some of the fun things you won't have to worry about include missing out on a deduction you could have taken because you weren't aware of it or forgot it or didn't know the latest changes in tax laws and regulations. This is because Efile programs walk you through the process using a series of questions designed to insure that you take advantage of every possible legal deduction. Another task you might miss is doing the math. Your online tax filing program will take care of that for you. If you love searching through the back of the 1040EZ tax tables for the amount of tax to pay, you'll be sorry you missed that, too.

Basically, you should start gathering the information you will need to complete your tax return at the beginning of each year. If you keep careful records of such things as medical expenditures and other deductible items, you will be ready the following January to do your return. This said, you should have the documents you need on hand to use as soon as you find the online tax filing website you select.

Then all you have to do is answer the questions using your tax documents. In many cases, the only math you will have to do is to add up your charitable contributions, your medical expenses, and any other categories of outlay that can be deducted. The program will ask for information from your W2s and will do the rest of the calculations for you. You will then have a choice of Efiling or printing a paper copy of your return. With Efile and the direct deposit option, you should have your refund in just a few days.