It’s no secret that stress and anxiety can increase during tax season. For many people, this is largely because of concerns about being audited or owing a significant amount of money to the government.

To keep blood pressure and stress on an even keel, there are a few vital actions that can be taken.

• Take initiative and begin working on your taxes ahead of the deadline. In other words, don’t wait until April 14 to start. Working ahead can help minimize stress from a last-minute frenzy. Handing off your tax preparation to a certified tax preparer can help reduce this burden, but will cost a few bucks.

• Reach out to the IRS to request a tax extension, or to establish a payment plan if taxes are owed.

• Some health experts suggest that ahead of the next tax season, take the time establish protocols to more closely track your finances. This can help avoid any unpleasant surprises when the next season rolls around.