Tips to make sure you can maximize your refund as we approach tax season

PITTSBURGH — Many people were caught off-guard last tax season as the average refund was about $40 lower than in previous years.

“People got surprised by their refunds. They weren’t as big as they thought they were going to be,” said Kathy Pickering, Chief Tax Officer for H&R Block.

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Pickering said people should consider changing their W-4, especially if they’re expecting big changes in 2020. She said now is a good time because many people are already starting to think about their 2019 tax returns.

“Your W-2′s are coming in, in the mail. Maybe, you’re starting to get some bank statements with that year-end tax information,” she said.

Tax experts also urge people to file their taxes as soon as possible to prevent hackers from filing a return in your name.

CLICK HERE for more tips from H&R Block ahead of tax season

Some other tips from H&R Block:

• Contribute to a Health Savings Account
• Bundle medical expenses
• Make charitable donations
• Maximize your contributions to your IRA
• Make education savings plan contributions
• Prepay your mortgage or property tax if you’re able

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