If you’re freelancing or running a business, you’re going to want to make as much profit as possible. This is logical. When business is booming, times are good and you’re going to want to earn as much as you possibly can. Of course, when you earn money, you’re going to have to pay taxes on your profits.

There are extremely few countries in the world that do not charge citizens income tax. In fact, you can count them on one hand – Bermuda, Monaco, the Bahamas, Andorra, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Unless you live in any of these countries, you’re going to have to organize and pay your taxes at the end of each fiscal year.

Here are some suggestions that can help you to determine how to do your taxes and how to save yourself money in the process.

Use an Accountant

The first tip for anyone planning on filing their taxes is to use an accountant. These professionals know the ins and outs of the tax system. They can determine exactly how much you have earnt, how much you need to pay out and what expenses can be deducted to keep your tax bill as small as possible. Finding the right accountant to suit your needs will depend entirely on where you’re living. Find out what legal requirements someone has to meet to legally deal with your taxes. Then find someone who has these qualifications and who has plenty of experience. Sure, accountants charge a fee. But all in all, it will make it more than worth it to gain the peace of mind and savings that they provide.

Know What You Can Claim

All sorts of expenses can be claimed when filing your tax returns. It’s important that you know what you are allowed to claim and what you’re not. This will allow you to save receipts to expensable purchases throughout the year and keep them on file ready to create your tax return. From deductible home buying expenses to business operation costs, entertainment and more, you can save a lot of money on your tax bill by getting to know the ins and outs of this area.

Be Organized

Organization can help make filing your taxes a whole lot easier. It’s advisable to keep a file for each tax year, storing invoices and receipts in here. This will make filing your own taxes or handing your affairs over to an accountant a whole lot easier. It may even reduce your accounting costs, as your accountant won’t spend precious time filing through invoices and receipts and having to split them into tax years and months.

Budget Throughout the Year

It’s important that you deduct estimated taxes from your pay each time you are paid. This will ensure that you have roughly the right amount to pay what you owe when the end of the tax year does come around.

As you can see, there’s a fair amount to keep in mind when it comes to organising and filing your taxes. Each piece of advice can make all the difference, so keep it in mind and allow it to benefit you in the long run!