Daniel T'seleie
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Apr 14/04) - It's tax time again, and contrary to popular belief most Northerners don't wait until the last minute to file their taxes.

"As soon as they get their information, most people will file immediately," said David Lucas, manager of H&R Block.

People eager for their return have started using the Internet to put money in their pockets faster.

"The amount of people who file using tax preparer software has jumped," Lucas said. "The turnaround time on them is so much quicker."

An individual who files electronically can receive their return in 10 to 14 working days, said Lucas.

But electronic tax software doesn't always do the best job.

"Just having software doesn't mean the return is being filed correctly," Lucas said.

Most commercial tax software still requires the user to know something about taxes.

"It's just a huge calculator," said Andy Wong of one popular tax program. Wong is an accountant with MacKay LLP.

People who prepare their own returns often make mistakes, he said.

"Most people do not claim all of the travel deductions that they are allowed to," Wong said.

Not claiming everything allowed can affect the amount of money you get back.

"Using a tax preparer, in a lot of cases, increases your refund," said Kevin Stapleton, tax preparer with 5D Tax Services.

He said it's difficult for people to know everything necessary to maximize their returns.

"Tax laws change every year," Stapleton said. "We get updates year-long on what the tax laws are."

This knowledge is also useful when dealing with the government.

"Most tax preparers are more than willing to help out individuals when they get audited or assessed," Stapleton said.

Stapleton said it comes down to what your time is worth to you. Keeping up with the changing laws and tricks of the trade necessary to maximize your return can take hours.

Whether you get a professional to prepare your return or you do it yourself, remember to file before the deadline of April 30.