Doing your taxes can be so grueling that it’s tempting to let software do the hard work, and simply accept the final result. But be aware: Popular products such as TurboTax and H&R Block At Home can produce errors, particularly if customers use a feature that imports stock information from brokerage accounts. Tax professionals say filers should watch for common errors and know how to fix them.

Want a quick tax refund? File your federal return online and have the refund deposited directly into your bank account. The Internal Revenue Service launched its online filing system with a promise that people who do their taxes electronically will get refunds in as few as 10 days. For those who file paper returns, refunds are expected to take four weeks to six weeks, said David R. Williams, the agency’s director of electronic tax administration.

The members of the General Assembly who have suggested eliminating Virginia’s corporate income tax are right about one thing: It does lend a wow factor to the state’s image. Unfortunately, the impression is less likely to be “Wow, what an economically competitive state!“ than “Wow, what a bunch of numbskulls!“ Sen. Ryan McDougle says the proposal would give Virginia “unparalleled” competitiveness. Wrong. Five states already have no corporate income tax: Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Low-income working individuals and families can qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit of up to $4,824 this year. For those who qualify, taxes will be prepared at no cost through a program offered by the Hanover County Department of Social Services beginning February 4, 2009. To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), earnings last year must been:

If the proper role of government is to coerce or browbeat the public into the correct behavior according to the majority, then Gov. Tim Kaine is exactly right to propose yet another tax on the people of Virginia. However, if, like me, you believe the role of government is limited to only those functions that are for the common good of all citizens, then you should be gravely concerned about the modern concept of attempting to establish by government policy what is best for the individual.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine’s proposal to double Virginia’s cigarette tax is unfair, the nation’s top tobacco company said yesterday, but public health groups called on state lawmakers to quadruple the tax to $1.20 per pack. “We think it is unfair to single out one industry to bear this tax burden,“ said Bill Phelps, a spokesman for Henrico County-based cigarette maker Philip Morris USA.