Tips for weathering tax season

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The countdown to April 15 has begun.

Millions of Americans will stress out about their taxes between now and then.

Chris Kiecker of Red Wing's certified accounting firm Erickson, Rietmann, Roufs & Kiecker has some advice for making tax season a lot easier.

First thing's first: Get organized.

"Make sure you have everything together before you go to file," Kiecker said. "Being organized is important."

Kiecker said looking at your previous year's tax information can remind you what's important when filing for 2008.

Also, it's never too early to start collecting documents. Kiecker said he has some clients who start a file early in the year and fill it with anything that could be tax related.

The important part, he said, is making sure you have all your documents before you file.

Most W-2s will arrive by the end of January but other forms won't show up until next month, he said.

"Anything you can start organizing now you should do," Kiecker said.

It's also important to do your research.

Kiecker said there are a slew of new and old tax credits available.

"Be up to date on what the changes are," he said. "Know what changes are going to affect you."

Tags: tax, season