With the 2023 tax deadline quickly approaching, a lot of taxpayers are getting ready to submit or have already submitted their 2023 tax returns. Just because this tax season is wrapping up, doesn’t mean you can’t get a jump on your 2024 income taxes. Planning ahead will not only save you time down the road but potentially money as well.
Keep reading to learn eight ways that you can help you get a jump on the 2024 income tax season.
(And don’t forget to call on John Freeman CPA for your tax preparation Cedar Rapids needs)
1. Reflect on the 2023 tax season
With the 2023 tax season fresh on your mind, take a few minutes to reflect on how it went. What worked for you and what didn’t? If you hired a CPA and had a great experience, then you’ll probably want to do that again next year. If you used tax preparation software and found the process to be stressful and frustrating, then perhaps you don’t want to do that again.
While there is a lot of time to decide how you want to file your 2024 tax return, having an idea of what you want to do can help you get a jump on your 2024 income taxes.
2. Get organized
One of the biggest tasks associated with tax season is the collection and organization of tax documents. Establishing a system for filing tax-related documents can help you get a jump on the next tax season. John Freeman CPA recommends creating a file folder (physical or electronic) where you store important documents related to your taxes throughout the year. That means, instead of waiting until January-February 2025 to scramble together all your documentation, you would file anything that may apply to your taxes throughout the year (i.e. charitable donation receipt). You can refer to last year’s tax return as a starting point to make note or develop a checklist of all the required documentation that you need to prepare your 2023 taxes. Getting organized early will help avoid errors and unnecessary penalties.

3. Keep your receipts
Throwing out your receipts is pretty common these days and can be a hard habit to break. The need to keep your receipts will depend on your particular situation. Taxpayers who choose to itemize their deductions will be required to provide receipts, whereas taxpayers who choose to claim the standard deduction will not. To get a jump on the 2024 tax season, it is best to start filing any receipts regardless if you think you will claim itemized or standard deductions. Having access to your receipts gives you the option to choose either itemized or standard when filing your 2024 taxes next year.
Receipts to file include:
- Medical costs not covered by insurance or health plans
- Property taxes
- Investment-related expenses
- Charitable donations
4. Create an Online IRS Account
If you haven’t done so already, it is highly recommended that every taxpayer create an online account with the IRS. This is a great tool where you can view your most recently filed tax return, and taxes owed, make payments, and access tax records.
(Looking for important IRS forms and links? Try our resources page.)
5. Ensure direct deposit is set up with the IRS
The IRS encourages all taxpayers to set up direct deposit. If you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to set up direct deposit. Doing so means that you will receive your tax refund faster as you don’t have to wait for the mail.

6. Subscribe to the IRS Newsletter
Did you know the IRS has various newsletters? There are different subscriptions on various tax topics, including tax tips, tax news and technical tax guidance. All email newsletters are available in English and Spanish. This will help you get a jump on the 2024 tax season by staying in the know and getting updates throughout the year.
7. Keep an eye on rule changes
Tax laws are always changing, especially when it comes to credits and deductions. The eligibility criteria can vary from year to year or new credits/deductions can be added. It is a mistake to assume that all tax laws and requirements are the same year to year. Keep an eye on the IRS website or stay in contact with John Freeman CPA to learn about any changes as they are announced.
8. Hire a CPA and meet with them to get advice
Hiring a CPA has numerous advantages. One of the main advantages is that you can get a jump on the next tax season by simply meeting with them to discuss your situation. A CPA is a tax expert that can help you understand deductions and credits and strategize on how to maximize your return.
Planning ahead and getting a jump on the 2024 tax season will help eliminate the stress associated with taxes. It will ensure that you can easily file your taxes next year without feeling pressured or rushed. Most taxpayers end up making unnecessary mistakes because they felt rushed and overwhelmed.
Contact John Freeman CPA to learn more about how you can get a jump on the 2024 tax season.