By Cora Lewis
New York (AP) – Don’t panic if you wait until the very end to file your taxes. You still have time to get it done.
And if you are still worried that you may not be able to finish in time, you can submit an extension that gives you until October 16th to submit your return.
What do I need to file a tax return?
Generally, all taxpayers need:
– Your Social Security Number
– W-2 form, if employed
– If you are unemployed, 1099-G form
– 1099 Form, if you are self-employed
– Savings and investment records
– A sense of qualified deductions, such as education, medical expenses, and charitable contributions.
– Feelings of related tax credits, such as child tax credits, retirement savings contribution charges
To find a more detailed list of documents, visit the IRS website.
Tom Osaben, director of tax content and government relations for the National Association of Tax Professionals, recommends collecting all documents in one place before you begin your tax return, and if your financial situation changes significantly, you should prepare a document from last year.
Teresa Glover, site coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, recommends that taxpayers create identity protection PIN numbers in the IRS to protect identity theft. Once you create a number, the IRS will be requested to file your tax return.
How do I submit an extension?
If you run out of time to file your tax return, you can spend more time applying for an extension using your desired tax software, IRS-free file tool, or email.
However, it is important to remember that extensions are not just about filing a tax return, but rather about paying taxes. If you are borrowing taxes, you must pay an estimated amount before the deadline to avoid paying fines or interest. You will receive money whether you expect to receive a refund or submit taxes.
The extension submission deadline is Tuesday, April 15th, and files will be provided until October 16th.
How can I avoid mistakes in filing taxes?
Many people fear that if they make a mistake, they will get into trouble with the IRS. To avoid common errors:
– Double check your name with your Social Security card.
When working with clients, O’Saben always asks to bring in a Social Security card and double-check the numbers and legal names.
“You might have changed your name, but you didn’t change it with Social Security,” Osaben said. “If your Social Security number does not match the first four characters of your last name, the return will be rejected and processing will be slow.”
– If you opt out of paper mail, search for your tax statement.
Many people like to opt out of snail mail, but paper mail can also include tax documents.
“If you don’t get anything via email, it doesn’t mean there’s no informational document you need to report accordingly,” O’Saben said.
– Report all income.
If you have worked multiple jobs in 2022, Christina Ways, interim director of Michigan State’s tax clinic, requires not only each job, but also a W-2 form for each.
Which resources are available?
For those who earn under $73,000 a year, the IRS offers free, guided tax preparations to do math for you. If you have questions while working on your tax form, the IRS also offers interactive tax assistant tools.
Beyond the Turbotax and H&R blocks, taxpayers can also hire licensed professionals, such as certified public accountants. The IRS provides a directory of tax returners across the United States.
The IRS also funds two types of programs that provide free tax help: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Senior Program (TCE) tax counseling. Anyone earning under $60,000 a year, with a disability, or with limited English is all eligible for the VITA program. Those over the age of 60 will qualify for the TCE program. The IRS has a site for finding organizations that host VITA and TCE clinics.
If you have tax issues, there are clinics across the country that can help you solve these issues. Generally, these tax clinics also serve other languages, such as Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.
The Associated Press is supported by the Charles Schwab Foundation for education and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism.
Original issue: April 15th, 2025, 4:10pm EDT
