A Reason to Procrastinate

So for all of you go-getters out there, it probably wouldn't hurt to stall the preparation of your tax return a bit, just in case one of your firms realizes they made a mistake and has to issue you a corrected 1099. I'd hate for you to prepare your return so diligently and file it only to find you have to amend it because your 1099 information was wrong.

It may be their mistake, but it's your responsibility.

Hopefully most of the kinks are worked out within the next few weeks, but it wouldn't hurt to call your broker or fund company and ask if they're sending out any corrected 1099s. So consider this a warning if a corrected 1099 happens to show up on St. Patrick's Day.

Go out and enjoy your green beer and just be thankful you procrastinated -- a bit.

Next in the tax series: Don't Fear the Auditor

TheStreet.com tax series previously featured:

• Don't You Miss a Tax Credit or Deduction
• Booyah Breakdown: Taxes for Traders
• How to Choose the Right Tax Software
• AMT:Little Tax Of Horrors
• Last Chance to File for Refunds -- for 2003
• Booyah Breakdown: Taxes for Traders II