Read your latest Credit Card statements closely

Understand what fees and interest you are paying, your total debt, your minimum payments and how long it will take you to pay off the total debt at the current monthly payment you are making. All of this information is required to be printed on your monthly statements. If you do not understand something on your statement, call your creditor and ask questions!

Balance Your Checkbook

It has been reported that 20% of Americans don't regularly balance their checkbooks. Like driving a car blindfolded, it's a prescription for disaster.  Being on a DMP where your monthly payment is taken out via ACH makes it even more important for you to keep track of your exact checking balances so you always have enough in your account to cover all of your obligations. If you ever get to a point where the money for an upcoming ACH transaction may not be available in your account, call customer service right away to alert them so you avoid problems with your Creditors over late or missed payments.

Calls from Creditors and Collectors

Yes, they may still be calling you about the account even after you've enrolled into the Debt Management Program.  Don't be alarmed. These are big companies and information often travels slowly. Getting Collection agencies to back off of their collection efforts is especially challenging and they are likely to make a few extra calls before finally leaving you alone.

ACCI Customer Service 1-800-708-1335

You are not alone if you haven't gotten started. But, we are at the point in time that you should be getting started soon whether you are going to complete the return yourself or have a professional do it for you. Here are some tips to help you get the ball rolling and get those taxes done.

1.   Schedule time to spend on taxes each week.

Whether it is an hour each night or several hours each Saturday, block off some time and stick to the schedule. The more complicated your tax return, the more time you'll need to complete it. Even if you are going to use a professional tax preparer, you'll need to spend time getting together the necessary information and documents. Just spending time thinking about the process and what has to be done to complete the return will be helpful.

2.   Get organized.

Start by creating a list of documents, dollar amounts, receipts and other sources of tax related information you will need to get the job done, or provide to a tax preparer. The Tax preparation software programs available today are great at providing outlines and categories of information that will be needed. By now you should have received any and all documentation from outside sources like employers, banks, etc. that you'll need. If you have not received a needed document, there is time to get in touch with the organization that owes you paperwork.

3.   Decide if you will need help.

Many people start out with good intentions of preparing their own taxes but find things getting too complicated. Unfortunately, the closer we get to April 15th, the busier the professional tax preparers get and you may find it difficult to schedule time. Waiting until the last minute guarantees stress, possible mistakes, and the chance that you won't find a competent preparer who is available to work for you.

If you do choose to work with a tax preparer, the IRS offers these helpful ideas to avoid problems since you are ultimately responsible for the return.

a.    Be cautious of tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers.

b.    Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund. Use a reputable tax professional who signs the tax return and provides a copy.

c.    Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the preparation of the tax return months, or even years, after the return has been filed.

d.    Check the person's credentials. Only attorneys, certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents can represent taxpayers before the IRS in all matters, including audits, collection and appeals. Other return preparers may only represent taxpayers for audits of returns they actually prepared.

e.    Find out if the preparer is affiliated with a professional organization that provides its members with continuing education and resources and holds them to a code of ethics.

Reputable Tax Preparation professionals will ask to see receipts and will ask multiple questions to determine whether expenses, deductions and other items qualify. By doing so, they are trying to help their clients avoid penalties, interest or additional taxes and fees that could result from an IRS examination. Visit www.irs.gov, the IRS web site for news, information and resources to help you complete your tax return.

4.    Think deductions. Things like job search and moving expenses, high medical bills, unreimbursed work expenses, and other deductible expenses can reduce your overall tax burden, and they require you to itemize your return which requires more time and energy but is well worth the investment.

5.   Think Credits.

What tax credits do you possibly qualify for? Tax Credits are wonderful because they directly reduce the taxes you owe. Depending on your income, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Saver's credit should be considered.

6.   Any changes?

Were you married or divorced last year? Did a dependent move out? Did you receive some unemployment insurance income?

7.   Stay in Tax Prep mode.

Consider putting all of this year's organization and preparation to work for you for the rest of this year. Rather than totally forgetting about taxes for another year, like most people are likely to do, vow to stay organized throughout this year keeping tax prep in the back of your mind and continue to keep track of expenses and income that will be needed for future income tax preparation. Staying organized will help make next year's tax preparation much easier and you'll be in position to complete your returns more quickly.

IRS Announces New Effort to Help Struggling Taxpayers Get a Fresh Start

WASHINGTON - In its latest effort to help struggling taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service today announced a series of new steps to help people get a fresh start with their tax liabilities.

The goal is to help individuals and small businesses meet their tax obligations, without adding unnecessary burden to taxpayers. Specifically, the IRS is announcing new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.

"We are making fundamental changes to our lien system and other collection tools that will help taxpayers and give them a fresh start," IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said. "These steps are good for people facing tough times, and they reflect a responsible approach for the tax system."

The IRS is making important changes to its lien filing practices that will lessen the negative impact on taxpayers. The changes include:

• Significantly increasing the dollar threshold when liens are generally issued, resulting in fewer tax liens.
• Making it easier for taxpayers to obtain lien withdrawals after paying a tax bill.
• Withdrawing liens in most cases where a taxpayer enters into a Direct Debit Installment Agreement.
• Creating easier access to Installment Agreements for more struggling small businesses.
• Expanding a streamlined Offer in Compromise program to cover more taxpayers.

"These steps are in the best interest of both taxpayers and the tax system," Shulman said. "People will have a better chance to stay current on their taxes and keep their financial house in order. We all benefit if that happens."

The IRS does not send taxpayers unsolicited e-mails about their tax accounts, tax situations or personal tax issues. If you receive such an e-mail, most likely it's a scam.

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