Last-Minute Tax Filing Tips and Extension Guide \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Still haven’t filed your taxes? There’s time to finish or file an extension by April 15, giving you until October. Experts recommend gathering key documents, double-checking details, and using available IRS tools or free tax assistance programs.
Quick Looks
- You have until April 15 to file or request an extension.
- An extension gives you until October 16 to submit your return.
- Extension only applies to filing — not to tax payments.
- Common filing materials include W-2s, 1099s, deduction info, and prior returns.
- Experts recommend using a secure IRS Identity Protection PIN.
- Avoid mistakes by double-checking your name and Social Security number.
- Search online portals for digital tax forms if you opted out of mail.
- Don’t forget to report all income, including side jobs or multiple W-2s.
- Free IRS tools available for incomes under $73,000.
- VITA and TCE offer free help to qualifying taxpayers, including seniors and low-income earners.
Deep Look
If Tax Day is right around the corner and you’re scrambling to get your documents together, you’re not alone. Every year, millions of Americans wait until the last moment to file their federal tax returns. The good news? There’s still time to file or apply for an extension. And with the right preparation, filing—even late in the game—can be smooth, stress-free, and secure.
You Still Have Time – But Act Now
The official deadline to file your 2024 federal tax return is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. If you’re not ready, you can file for an automatic extension, which gives you until October 16, 2025, to submit your return.
However, it’s critical to understand that a filing extension does not apply to payments. If you owe taxes, the IRS still expects you to pay an estimated amount by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. This estimated payment can be submitted electronically or by mail, even if the return itself comes later.
What You’ll Need to File
Whether you’re using tax software, filing manually, or hiring a professional, gathering all your documents upfront can save you time and prevent costly mistakes. Here’s a breakdown of what most people need:
- Social Security Number: For you, your spouse, and any dependents.
- Income Documents:
- W-2 forms from employers
- 1099-G for unemployment income
- 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC for freelance or gig work
- 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, or 1099-B for interest, dividends, or capital gains
- Documentation of Deductions: Receipts or records for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Tuition or student loan interest
- Charitable donations
- Mortgage interest
- State and local taxes
- Tax Credit Information:
- Child Tax Credit
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Education credits
- Retirement savings contribution credit
- Last Year’s Tax Return: Helpful for reference and carryovers
You can find a comprehensive document checklist on the IRS website.
Protecting Your Identity
Identity theft is a growing concern, especially during tax season. Theresa Grover, site coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, recommends creating an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) through the IRS. This 6-digit PIN is a unique identifier that the IRS requires on all future filings—adding an extra layer of security.
Once an IP PIN is issued, it must be used every year moving forward. Failing to include it will delay your return, so make sure to store it safely.
Common Tax Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Many taxpayers fear making a mistake that could trigger audits, delays, or penalties. According to Tom O’Saben of the National Association of Tax Professionals, the key to accuracy is attention to detail. Here are a few of the most frequent (and easily avoidable) errors:
- Mismatch Between Name and Social Security Number: Especially after name changes due to marriage or divorce, make sure your legal name on your return matches your Social Security card exactly.
- Forgetting to Report All Income: If you worked more than one job or had side gigs, you’ll need multiple W-2s or 1099s. Don’t just use the one from your primary employer.
- Overlooking Digital Documents: If you opted out of paper mail, be sure to check online accounts (banks, employers, investment platforms) for electronic tax forms. Just because you didn’t receive a letter doesn’t mean a document doesn’t exist.
- Math Errors or Mismatched Forms: Let software or a professional help you double-check totals and ensure you’re reporting information from the correct year and forms.
Don’t Forget About Free Tax Help
If you earn $73,000 or less, you can take advantage of the IRS Free File program, which offers brand-name tax software at no cost. It walks you through your return with guided prompts and performs automatic calculations to minimize errors.
The IRS also offers the Interactive Tax Assistant, a helpful online tool that answers questions and determines eligibility for credits and deductions.
Professional and In-Person Help
Beyond online tools, you may qualify for in-person tax assistance through two IRS-funded programs:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- For individuals earning $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
- Designed for taxpayers 60 years or older, often with a focus on retirement-related issues.
Use the IRS locator tool to find VITA and TCE clinics near you. Most locations are hosted at libraries, schools, and community centers.
Should You Hire a Tax Professional?
If your tax situation is complicated—think self-employment, rental properties, investments, or recent life changes—it might be worth hiring a professional. The IRS maintains a Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers, where you can search for CPAs, enrolled agents, and tax attorneys in your area.
Be sure to choose a preparer with a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and check for credentials and client reviews.
Legal and Language Support
If you’re facing a tax dispute or can’t afford professional help, Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) offer representation and legal support. These clinics often provide services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese, ensuring that more Americans can access fair tax treatment.
Final Thoughts
Filing your taxes can feel overwhelming, especially under pressure. But with the right tools, knowledge, and support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Gather your documents, check your options, and remember: even if you’re not ready to file today, you can still get an extension and avoid unnecessary penalties.
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