It’s the time of year that everybody dreads…tax time. While it something that we all try to avoid doing, it simply has to be done.

So, where do you start? First, you need to decide how you plan to file them. Are you going to use software and do it yourself? Are you going to do it manually? Are you going to use a preparer? Second, however you choose to file, it is important to gather the materials that you will need in advance, most importantly the tax forms.

Below are some suggestions on where you can obtain these forms:

1.) Online
Tax forms and other publications can be accessed on the IRS website, IRS.gov, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here, you can easily view the different forms that are available and print the documents that you will need. This site can also give you suggestions on how and where to file.

2.) By Mail
If you choose not to print the forms online, you can order them from the IRS National Distribution Center. The address is 1201 N. Mitsubishi Motorway, Bloomington, IL, 61705-6613, and the forms should be delivered within 10 business days after they receive your order.

3.) By Phone
Another alternative to printing the forms online is to order them by phone. By calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM local time (except Alaska and Hawaii which are Pacific time), you can order tax forms, instructions and publications. Again, you should receive your documents within 10 business days.

Hopefully this helps, and will allow you to be prepared when the 2014 filing season opens on January 31, 2014.

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