True, it’s still 2012, but that doesn’t mean that you need to wait until the last minute to prepare for your 2013 tax returns. Before we get into that, we’d like to remind you of our previous posts Trip Expenses You Can Deduct and Are You Preparing For Next Years Taxes Yet.

Here are some highlights we’d like to remind everyone about:

Child Tax Credit is $1,000 per child now, but decreases to $500 in 2013.

Earned Income Credit up to 3 children has a maximum credit of $5,891. This year there’s certain proof you have to provide to qualify for the credit which includes school records, medical records, utility bills, and property tax records. Check out the new form to see what’s specifically required of you.

Business mileage for 2012 is 55.5 cents a mile, and in 2013 it goes up to 56.5.

There’s no increase in capital gains taxes for 2012, but in 2013 it increases to 20%.

Student loan interest gives a deduction up to $2,500.

The electronic filing date has been pushed back until January 22nd in 2013; no real idea why, but last year some people waited longer than normal for their refunds so maybe it’s related to that.

If you had a lot of medical expenses and kept all your receipts, make sure to bring them in to see if you might qualify for some write-offs.

More changes for 2013? No one knows yet. You’ve probably heard “fiscal cliff” until you’re sick of it but no one knows what’s coming just yet. We know that someone will have increased taxes but unsure of who. We also know that more changes will come to health care in 2013, though the bill officially doesn’t kick in until 2014, and we’re unsure what that might mean financially right now either.

Overall, just be prepared for anything, and of course don’t wait until the last minute to get your information to your accountant or tax professional, as corporate taxes this year are due on March 15th.