Tax season is right around the corner — beginning Jan. 31, to be exact. If you're already stressing about this financial burden, relax.

Raymond Blasczak, a certified public accountant who has been doing business at his family-run office in Clawson for more than 20 years, let us in on some of his best advice for avoiding the can-be chaos.

1. Wait until you receive everything in the mail.

Though tax season officially begins Jan. 31, Blasczak notes that the Monday after the Super Bowl — this year, that falls on Feb. 6 — is the most practical date to mark the start.

2. Keep good records.

When your tax documents (mortgage statements, W-2 forms, etc.) arrive in the mail, make sure you store them all in one envelope.

3. Keep track of anything that has changed.

"Did you have kids? Did you move? Did you retire? Did you have large medical bills?" Blasczak said these are some of the many questions to ask yourself.

4. Remember your forms from last year.

"If you had expenses sitting on last year's tax return, they're still there," reminded Blasczak.

5. Double-check.

It's a no-brainer, but is often one of the bigger mistakes. To receive your refund faster, go over your return before you submit it and make sure all the information you’ve entered is accurate.

6. Ask questions.

Don't be afraid to ask for help with any problems you encounter; seek the advice of a professional tax preparer.

"You're not a number in the computer here," Blasczak said. "You're an individual."

For help and assistance this tax season, taxpayers are advised to contact the Internal Revenue Service by visiting its website at irs.gov. Upcoming webinars, workshops and forums will be listed on the calendar of events. The Detroit IRS branch is located at 500 Woodward Ave. and is open from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and can be reached by calling 313-628-7322.