This year, instead of splurging on a private accountant, I met with a tax professional at H&R Block. If you’re feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or stressed out about doing your taxes, I can assure you that the best first step is to make an appointment at your nearest H&R Block. Friendly, welcoming, easy: their job is to remove the stress from filing your taxes. Let them.

I made an appointment to meet with Kirby at the Market Street location. I’m not a pro at either paperwork or tax jargon, and I’m inexplicably useless at filling out forms. (It really shouldn’t be hard, but it’s as if my eyes cross when trying to work out which box to tick, where to sign my name. I would have made the worst lawyer ever.)

Kirby quickly made me feel at ease, and carefully helped me figure out exactly what I needed, what tax breaks I was eligible for; step by step, she walked me through the process without judgement.

For some people, one appointment is all you’ll need! I required a couple meetings as had some missing paperwork I needed to track down. Whatever your case may be, H&R Block is equipped to handle any tax situation. (With over 50 years in the biz, they’ve seen it all!)

If your files are a mess and you’re not sure where to start, chill. They’ll help you get started and answer any questions you may have.

Reminder: the deadline to file taxes in Canada this year is May 2nd. You’ve officially got one month to get sorted. (Totally doable!) Happy to report that unlike past years, I’m actually on time this year with my taxes…even early! For me, that’s pretty much unheard of, but I feel SO GOOD TO GET THEM OUT OF THE WAY! After all, springtime is to be enjoyed.

PROMO! Switch to Block! If you paid someone else to do your taxes in 2015 (tax year 2014), bring in your original receipt to a participating location and you could get 50% off what you paid them to complete your taxes last year!

Give and Get! Share a unique code from HRB with up to five close friends or family members who are new clients to H&R Block and if they file with HRB, you’ll get $25 by email money transfer, limit to 5 people ($125). Call for details.

Visit your nearest H&R Block this week, or get in touch via their website, phone, or email. You’ll feel better the minute you connect and get things going. Follow on social with #HowToRefund @HRBlockCanada

While this post is generously sponsored by H&R Block, the opinions and language are all my own.