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Six Steps to Get Your Tax Refund FASTER

1. Get started
The first step is the hardest. Stop thinking about it and get moving. If you don't have all your numbers, just put your name and address on the form. It will get you in the mind-set to move forward.

2. Accumulate the data
By the second week of February in 2010, you should have the numbers in hand. Make sure you have received W-2s and any statements from your brokers and banks. You'll receive 1099 forms for any interest, dividends and stock sales.

3. Put the numbers in IRS categories
Neither the Internal Revenue Service nor your CPA is going to add up those numbers for you. You're going to want to have totals for the income and deduction categories the IRS provides

4. Call your accountant
If you're going to have your return professionally prepared, call your accountant now for an appointment.

5. Put ink to paper
At least open the tax program on your computer. You've got your numbers. You've done the real work. Now you're just putting numbers in boxes. Relax; this is really the easy part.

6. Mail your return
It's your money. Don't compound the pain by delaying the mailing. Of course, the best way to speed up your return is to e-file. The IRS claims it expedites your refund. Electing a direct deposit of your refund will always get it into your hands faster.