[Updated April 1] And the winners (based on random picks) are.......

- Frank and Sam. Please send me an email (see below) to organize delivery of the web cards. I can mail you the cards or just send you the PIN number.

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I just finished doing my taxes! A great feeling, especially now that I am expecting to get a refund. However a large number of folks are still to file, with the IRS reporting that with less than a month to go before taxes are due only 60% of expected returns have been filed. If you are filing your returns using tax software then make sure you use the number one tax software in America – Turbo Tax – and get your maximum return possible. What’s better, you can use Turbo tax Premier for free thanks to the folks at Intuit – the company behind Turbo tax and other leading financial software.

I have not one, but TWO web cards with a prepaid access code (includes one free federal + state preparation +e-files) for TurboTax Premier Online to giveaway (valued at $85 each). If you are interested, all you need to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment related to taxes. The comment should be related to any “taxing” experiences you have had or any last minute tax tips. I will then randomly pick 2 commenter’s early next week, announce the winners on this post (so make sure you check back or subscribe via the options below). The winners need to send me an email - andy@savingtonvest[dot]com - so that I can mail them the web cards.

Having completed my taxes, here are my top 3 tips:

1. Set aside 3-4 hours one afternoon to do your taxes online and sort through the associated paperwork. The tax software will guide you through the steps, but there are a lot of “learn more” parts thanks to new tax legislation over the last year.
   
   
2. Know your 2008 stimulus rebate check amount. You’ll need if for the return. If you qualify for the 2009 home buyer credit or are claiming the new car deduction, make sure you have the relevant paperwork handy and read the rules. The $400/$800 making work pay tax cut will be paid via your payroll and not your tax return. The $250 SSI payment will be made from the SSA via a separate check.
   
   
3. Whether you use tax software or an accountant, you are still responsible for ensuring the accuracy and legality of your tax return. So read and double check all the numbers before e-filing your return.

Once again, all you need to do to enter the competition for the TurboTax Premier online giveaway is to leave a tax related comment. Simple really, so enter now.

Related Tax posts:

- Capital Gains and Losses : Tax Facts and Figures
- Real Tax deductions that may surprise you
- Taxes and my Paycheck
- Key Dates and Deadlines to Receive Economic Stimulus Working ($800/$400), Social ($250), Home ($8000), Vehicle Tax Credits and Payments