It’s officially tax season. Well, almost. The IRS has announced it will start accepting e-File and Free File returns on Jan. 17, 2012. But for now, you should start compiling all your tax documents so you are ready to file.

If you are unsure if you have to file a return this year, the IRS offers an Interactive Tax Assistant that will help you decide what you should do. The new resource takes users through a series of short question and answers related to tax law.