April showers bring May flowers, but April also brings the dreaded annual tax filing. Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your tax returns this year!

  1. File as early as possible.
  2. Don’t take the standard deduction if you can itemize. Additional expenses like charitable contributions may make you eligible for this.
  3. Claim your friend or relative if you’ve been supporting them.
  4. Take above-the-line deductions if you are eligible. These deductions would include paying student loan interest, contributing to your IRA, etc.
  5. If you contributed to your retirement, you are eligible for a tax deduction.

For more information, go to http://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0312/how-to-get-the-most-money-back-on-your-tax-return.aspx.