NATIONWIDE — Tax return filing season begins today, and you have until April 17 to get your returns in.

The IRS says it expects to issue majority of refunds within 21 days and asks tax payers to file electronically for quicker refunds.

The Republicans passed a new tax law at the end of 2017, but this year's taxes are still governed by old rules.

1. Compile a list of the paperwork you'll need

If you're reporting a salary on your tax return and nothing more, all you really need is your W-2, and you're done. But what if you did some contract work for several clients on the side, and are also planning to claim deductions for mortgage interest and charitable contributions? That will require a 1099 form.

That's why it's critical to make a list of the paperwork you think you'll need to file your taxes, and then check off items as they arrive. Keep in mind that 1099s are typically issued by the end of January, so if you find that you're missing one come early February, you'll know to hunt it down.

2. Don't rush through the process

Speeding through the tax-filing process is a great way to increase your chances of making an error, and when that happens, one of three things might ensue:

You have until mid-April to get yours done, but if that doesn't happen, request an extension. That extension will then buy you another six months to get your taxes done correctly.

3. Expect to file electronically

The IRS reports that the error rate for paper tax returns sits around 21 percent. The error rate for electronic returns, by contrast, is less than 1 percent.

Another good reason to file electronically? If you're due a refund, you'll get your money sooner. The IRS typically issues refunds for electronic returns within three weeks, but if you file on paper, you won't see your money for six to eight weeks.

4. DIY or hire a tax consultant? 

It makes sense to file on your own if:

  • You have a straightforward tax situation without dependents, investments or significant assets or charitable contributions and you don't own a business. Those basic, free versions of tax preparation software mentioned above were created for people like you, who have few deductions and factors to take into consideration.
  • You have the time and patience to deal with it. Expect to set aside some time to give it your undivided attention. The IRS estimated you need 16 hours to do all of the preparation work for the basic form 1040.
  • You feel comfortable hitting submit and want that control over your money. If you feel comfortable navigating the software, looking up questions on the IRS site, and the idea of having to fix any errors doesn't terrify you, then you'll probably do just fine on your own.

It makes sense to hire a professional if:

  • You earn over $200,000 a year.
  • You've had a major life change in the last year.
  • You have a complicated tax situation with dependents, investments, or significant assets or charitable contributions, or you own a business.
  • You're planning to itemize your deductions.
  • You don't have the time and patience to deal with it.