Every year it feels the same: January begins… and suddenly it’s tax season again.

Forms, deadlines, IRS letters, W-2s, 1099s — the process looks overwhelming, especially if you live in Union County and tend to handle taxes at the last minute.

The good news? With a little preparation, filing your taxes can be simple, calm, and stress-free — whether you’re in Monroe, Matthews, Indian Trail, Wingate, or anywhere else in North Carolina.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you get ready for tax season.

1. Know Which Tax Returns You Need to File

Start with the basics: what exactly must you file?

For most Monroe and Union County residents, this includes:

Federal Tax Return (IRS Form 1040) — required for everyone.
North Carolina State Return — filed with the NC Department of Revenue.
Additional forms if applicable:
- small business or self-employment income (Schedule C);
- investments (Form 1099-B);
- foreign accounts (Form 8938, FBAR).

Tip for local business owners:

Different entities have different deadlines.
For example:

S-Corp (Form 1120-S) → usually due March 15
Personal tax return → usually due April 15

Example:
A couple running an LLC in NJ once assumed their deadline was April 15 like everyone else, but their S-Corp deadline was a month earlier, resulting in a late-filing penalty.

2. Gather All Required Documents Early

Nothing slows down filing like missing documents. Collect everything that shows your income, deductions, and credits.

Income Documents

W-2 from your employer
1099-NEC / 1099-K from clients, PayPal, Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, Upwork
1099-INT / 1099-DIV for bank interest & dividends
1099-B for stock or crypto transactions

Deductions & Credits

receipts for charitable donations
mortgage interest (Form 1098)
property taxes (important for Union County homeowners)
education expenses (Form 1098-T)
medical expenses
proof of business travel or home office

Organization Tip:

Create digital folders labeled:

Income
Deductions
Investments

Correct: keep documents as soon as they arrive.
Incorrect: look for forms in your mailbox on April 14 at 6 PM.

3. Review Current Tax Law Changes

Tax rules in the U.S. change every year and some updates affect many families in Union County.

Pay attention to:

Standard Deduction increases
Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit updates
New Energy Efficiency Credits (solar panels, upgraded windows, HVAC, etc.)

Tip:

Check the “Tax Changes” section on IRS.gov, it’s written in plain language.

Example:
In 2024, the Standard Deduction increased. A family in Monroe no longer needed to itemize, saving both time and money.

4. Make Sure You Have Proof for Every Deduction

IRS requires documentation not assumptions.

Check that you have:

donation receipts (charity acknowledgment letters for amounts over $250)
Form 1098 for mortgage or education
medical bills
proof for business or home office expenses

Tip:

Save everything as PDFs in a secure folder.

Correct: “I have receipts and letters to back this up.”
Incorrect: “I’m pretty sure I donated around $500.”

5. If You Have a Complicated Situation, Get Professional Help

If you own a business in Monroe, drive for Uber in Matthews, invest in stocks, or have foreign accounts, do not try to navigate it alone.

A licensed CPA or Enrolled Agent (EA) can help you:

avoid costly mistakes
understand deductions you may not know about
file correctly for LLCs, S-Corps, or rental properties
stay compliant with IRS rules

Tip:

Choose a preparer with a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) required for anyone filing taxes professionally.

6. File Your Taxes Electronically

IRS strongly recommends e-filing and for good reason.

Benefits of E-File:

Fast acceptance (often within minutes)
Direct deposit refunds typically in 2–3 weeks
Fewer math errors
No lost mail

Example:
A freelancer in Indian Trail filed through TurboTax in March and received the refund two weeks later.
Their neighbor mailed a paper return and waited until June.

Correct: e-file + direct deposit.
Incorrect: printing stacks of paperwork and standing in line at the post office.

Preparing for tax season isn’t a last-minute marathon, it’s a simple series of steps done gradually.

Whether you’re in Monroe, Indian Trail, Stallings, Waxhaw, or any part of Union County, a little organization now can save you stress, time, and money later.

Start early, stay organized, and your entire tax season will feel much easier.