Since I've been doing accounting the past few years, I have learned:
Debits on the left, Credits on the right. :D
But, seriously, since this is tax season, here's some advice:
Don't go to H&R Block or any of those tax service places to do your taxes, they cost you $50-$100 and sometimes more for something that you can do yourself for free. Turbo Tax (even worse) you are paying $50 for a program to do your taxes and you still have to do them yourself.
Here are your two FREE options:
1. Go to your library or post office and pick up your tax forms and instructions. The instructions are very detailed and there is a help number that you can call (again for free) and the IRS will walk you through all your forms and answer any question you may have. All you need is a pen and a calculator.
2. Do your taxes online at
www.irs.gov. It's even easier than the paper forms and you can still call the IRS if you need help.
Remember, your tax refund is your money. This is money that you earned and that the federal government is borrowing from you. Yes, they take a portion that you don't get back, but the rest they return to you (though without interest).
This is why on your W-2 you should claim a number that will give you the most out of your paycheck, but without having to owe them. A lot of people claim zero (this will have to maximum amount taken out of your paycheck for taxes) so that they get a bigger "refund" at the end of the year. It is better that you have that money and put it in a savings account to earn interest than letting the government have it where you earn nothing.