Taxpayers have two extra days to file their 2011 income tax returns, with the deadline set for April 17. With approximately 75 percent of taxpayers eligible to receive a refund, Americans could benefit from getting a jump-start by filing their returns early.

Along with information provided by the IRS, local Leeds tax accountant Mike Woodall of M & M Tax Accounting offers tips for people to consider when preparing to file 2011 tax returns:

Starting early — The biggest advantage people have in filing tax returns is to start early.  By law W-2s are required to be mailed to individuals by Jan. 31.  “The biggest problem we see is when people wait until the last minute to file,” Woodall says.  “You get the best product and avoid errors when you devote more time to work on it.”

Gathering tax records — To simplify the tax preparation process, collect and organize any documents needed to file a tax return.  If you plan to hire a professional tax preparer, you could save money by collecting and organizing documents ahead of time.  “This reduces our workload which saves customers money.”

Choosing the right professional tax preparer — Choose a tax preparer who is convenient, knowledgeable and up-to-date on the latest tax laws – and how they apply to you.  Starting this year the IRS requires tax preparers to have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).  The PTN is designed to ensure those preparing taxes are legally eligible to do so.  “Even if people choose to use tax preparers, the individual filing is still responsible for errors and penalties, so we review every return before the client signs it, and we send it off,” Woodall says.

Addressing problems — “If you’re having tax problems, don’t ignore them,” Martha Belcher, bookkeeper and office manager at M& M Tax Accounting says.  “The federal government is looking for mistakes.  In a hurting economy everyone is looking for their money.” Woodall says it may take the federal government six months or more to discover errors and send out letters notifying individuals.  “Just because you receive a letter six months later, that does not give you the right to wait six months to respond.”

Looking at how common life changes can lead to greater tax savings — If an individual experienced major life changes in 2011, there may be significant deductions or credits available for common occurrences such as having or adopting children, starting a new business, continuing education or caring for aging parents.

 Benefits of e-filing your return — Last year 70 percent of taxpayers opted to e-file their returns. Benefits to e-filing a tax return, include faster processing time (you can receive your refund in seven to 13 days), greater accuracy and confirmation the IRS has received your return.

Utilize available resources — Use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website to find answers to tax questions about credits, deductions and general filing.

If you would like more information and are seeking assistance in filing a tax return, you may contact Mike Woodall at M & M Tax Accounting at 205-699-3544, 7485 Parkway Drive, Leeds.