Does Your ADD Impact Your Taxes?

I know you still have about three months until you have to file your U.S. tax forms, but now is an excellent time to think about taxes. Many adults with ADD would rather scrub the floor with a toothbrush than work on preparing their taxes. Here are some tips to help make taxes less taxing: (pardon the pun)

1. Set up a folder ( green, black, or red are good colors) or a box where you will put all of the tax forms that you are receiving now and put it with all of your other essential documents.

2. Get Help – Hiring an accountant to help you prepare your taxes can save you from unnecessary financial anxiety, plus you don’t have to worry about missing potential tax breaks. Many computer programs (both online and on CD-Rom) will help you prepare your taxes step by step. With these programs, you should be able to file your taxes online, saving you a couple of steps to put the tax forms in an envelope, put a stamp on the envelope, and drop it in the mailbox.

3. Get a tax buddy – I am not saying you want to share all of your tax information with your friends, but if you view preparing your taxes as a social event, you will be more likely to start and finish the task.

4. Many tax preparers are willing to offer you tax refund loans, where you can get most of your rebate immediately. These refund loans are a rip-off that takes advantage of the impulsive nature of adults with ADD. With fees ranging from $70 to $130, you are paying a steep price to get your money a week or two faster. If you need the money that quickly, you probably need financial counseling to get your finances back on track.