What a headache, taxes. But they're unavoidable. As Benjamin Franklin observed, "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes." So, cheer up, it's just money.

And, if you live in Brooklyn, you just might be able to get all kinds of tax-related information and services for free.

To Be Smart about Taxes, You Have to Know Who You Are First

You can work on your taxes for a month, or get it done in a day.


It all depends on such basics as how focused and organized you are, what you know about your tax situation, how complicated your financial life is, whether you get professional help and what kind of taxpayer you are. 

So, for the broad working and middle class of Brooklyn (because the one-percenters already have tax shelters or at least an accountant on tap),  here are 15 things to know for as hassle-free an April 15th as Tax Day can be, for three different kinds of Brooklyn residents: the "I'm too busy and disorganized" person, the DIY tax-filer, and the newbie who might not even know what kinds of breaks, tax credits and free services are available to him or her. Which are you?

For the I'm Too Busy and Disorganized Brooklynite:  6 Reasons Why It's Worthwhile to Get Help With Your Taxes  

Face it. Some people just need help with their taxes ... 

1. Entrepreneurship and job juggling: Given all the new restaurants, small manufacturing businesses, self-employed creatives and new tourism jobs popping up in the borough, tens of thousands of Brooklyn residents have started or are working in small businesses, doing freelance gigs, or taken moonlighting jobs in the wake of the long recession. If you have been sloppy about bookkeeping, and mingled business and personal finances, you probably need help at tax time. 

1. Multiple employers: In today's economy, with so many people working two and even three jobs, whose employers may have changed more than once over the course of a year, there's more room for error than in the good old days when one employer simply handed every employee his or her tax information.
2. There are consequences: If you don't report income, you could be in trouble with the IRS. Not a place you want to go.
3. Taxes can save you money, oddly: The tax code is complicated; if you don't know what to look for, you could fail to qualify for certain tax credits that could save hundreds of dollars. If you are ill-informed, you could miss out on a glorious tax refund.
4. For the layperson, the IRS is like a maze made of rules. Tax penalties are avoidable. But you have to know the rules and what leads to what. 
5. It's a headache, in triplicate: New Yorkers pay federal, state and local taxes, so it's not just the IRS; multiple forms must be filled out. If you'd like to avoid state taxes, move to some red state.

 

For the Newbie Taxpayer Brooklynite: 6 Important Tax Tips from the NYC Department of Consumer Protection

It's always important to know what you're eligible for ... 

1. Know if you are eligible for Earned Income Tax Credit: Working families earning less than $51,567 could be eligible for up to $8,159 from the Earned Income Tax Credi alone.
2.  Know if you are eligible forthe New York City Child Care Tax Credit , which is available to help families pay for child care expenses. If you earn $30,000 or less and pay child care expenses for children up to the age of 4, you may qualify for this local tax credit of up to $1,733, as of 2013.
3. Know Your rights about taxes
4. Claim Benefits for Which You are Eligible 
5. Use the free tax preparation services from the NYC Consumer Affairs Department
6. Considering a Refund Anticipation Loan? Skip it. Read more.

 

For the DIY Person: 3 Ways to Prepare Your Taxes and File for Free

Seniors and working class or low-income people with modest assets and income can manage to fill out tax returns on their own, maybe with a little assistance from a pro  ... 

1. If you are middle- or low-income, you can get free help preparing your tax return forms, with translation services to accommodate Brooklyn's many immigrants,  at these locations in Brooklyn.
2. If you earn $58,000 or less, you can file your tax return online for free.
3. If you are a senior citizen, you can get free help preparing your tax return forms from AARP-related staff at these locations in Brooklyn. 

• More information on filing your taxes in Brooklyn.