One of the scariest things that most adults will ever face is the first time they do their taxes. (More about that 60% in a bit) I was lucky enough to be forced into doing them when I was in high school (Thank you Samo) when I was naive enough to not know enough to be afraid of taxes...it was just one more assignment that had to be done.

Most people have very simple returns - the more complicated your financial life, the more complicated your returns. If you own your own business, or home, or have significant investments, etc then you will likely want to advice of a professional.

For the rest of you - don't be afraid there is help on the way! Put aside your fears and everything you have heard about how hard it is to do your taxes. Here are three simple steps that will get most people through the worst of it (and with no math required!) -

Step 1 - Get all your tax information together! - You'll save time and won't have to stop in the middle of preparing your return to find a missing document. Here's what you'll need :

• Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents.
• W-2 forms from all employers are required for yourself and your spouse.
• 1099 forms for Dividends, Retirement, or other income, or any 1099 forms with Income Tax Withholding. (these would have magically appeared in your mailbox)
  
• Receipts for expenses for Itemized Deductions (Schedule A).
• Receipts and records for other income or expenses.
• Bank Account numbers (for a fast refund, or to pay electronically).
• Complete information on what records you need, and how long to keep your records.
• Prior year Adjusted Gross Income amount if using a Self-Select PIN as your signature.

Step 2 - Choose the method of e-filing that works for you:

• Tax Professional
• Personal Computer Software
• Free File - Make sure you go to http://www.irs.gov/app/freeFile/jsp/index.jsp to get to the free filing program, otherwise you may end up paying for what is a free service. There are a wide variety of reputable sites that will allow many people to file for free. Some are based on age, some on income, some on other criteria - look around to find the one that is right for you.

Step 3 - e-file it! Relax - You're done! Don't forget to print out the return to keep for your records -– even though many sites will save it on their secure server.

Getting back to the title - 60% of the people who can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) don't ask for it! One more reason to use the Free File websites.

Hurry up now - you only have about a month left.