5. Decide how you want to do your taxes. Gathering the appropriate tax forms goes hand in hand with how you plan to complete your return. Which preparation method fits your tax style? Are you a do-it-yourselfer or should you hire a pro? Do you prefer pen and paper or a computer? Now's the time to decide. By starting early, you have plenty of time to gather filing paperwork yourself, pick the perfect tax preparer or find the tax preparation software that fits your needs.

6. Consider electronic filing. If you decide to use your computer to calculate your taxes, consider taking the next step and file the forms electronically. E-filed returns are processed in about half the time of paper ones, according to the IRS. Plus, e-filing catches math problems and provides confirmation your return has been received. You might even be able to e-file for free via the Free File Alliance, a joint venture of the tax software industry and the federal government. Last filing season, taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $54,000 or less were able to file at no cost via the IRS program. Expect that income limit to increase somewhat to account for inflation when the 2009 version of Free File kicks off Jan. 16.

7. Use direct deposit. Regardless of whether you file electronically or the old-fashioned paper way, this year have your refund check directly deposited into your bank account.

Again this filing season, you can have your refund sent directly to up to three accounts. You'll just need to file Form 8888. Whether you have your tax cash deposited in one, two or three accounts, there's one big advantage: You won't have to worry about the check being lost in the mail or returned to the IRS because of a bad address. Even better, you'll have access to your refund sooner. Just be sure to put the correct routing and account numbers on the form.

8. Don't panic. Tax filing makes everyone a little nervous, but when you start early, you've got time to get the answers and make sure you're taking full advantage of every tax break for which you're eligible. Check Bankrate's tax pages throughout the filing season for more tips, stories and explanations of tax laws and how to make the most of them. If you have a specific question, ask our tax expert. You also can visit the IRS Web site or call its TeleTax service at (800) 829-4477 to get recorded information on more than 140 tax topics.

Freelance writer Kay Bell writes Bankrate's tax stories from her Austin, Texas, home. She also writes two tax blogs, Bankrate's Eye on the IRS, and Don't Mess With Taxes.