Tax day relaxation tips

In the United States, April 18 is the day tax returns are due. Stressed out? Here are some tips for decompressing.

Get help

You don't need a seven-figure income (or even a six-figure income) to make it worthwhile to enlist an accountant for tax help. Whatever your line of work, there's a specialist who can help you — and it might be that the specialist will be able to save you more than you expect.

The internet is your friend

My tax preparations are 95% less stressful since I started using an online tax service. It's just like taking a survey — and I love surveys! Click, click, click, you're done. Plus, if you find a service you like, it will save your tax information so that you don't need to start future years' tax preparations by digging for old returns.

Get a drink and settle in

I don't recommend imbibing alcohol while you're doing your taxes, but try an herbal tea — or a cup of coffee, if you're not burning the midnight oil already. Plan to take some time — if you focus on getting it over with as quickly as possible, you'll inevitably be frustrated and make mistakes.

Stay organized

Okay, okay, it might be too late for this already — but you can make your life easier come tax time by sticking to a consistent system for organizing your receipts and other relevant paperwork.

Misery loves company

Make plans to get together with friends and have a tax party. Order some take-out and attack those taxes en masse like you're studying together for a big exam. Did your parents ever pay you for getting good grades? This is kind of like that.

Fill your ears with calm

YourClassical's Relax stream is standing by 24/7 to keep you calm with soothing music from the world's greatest composers. Remember: no matter how crazy your taxes get, Mozart's were even worse.

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