Tax day has arrived in the United States, and if you’ve waited until the last minute to file your return, don’t panic. You still have time to do it.
If you’re concerned that you still won’t finish your taxes on time, you can also request an extension, which will give you until October 15 to file.
Here’s what you need to know about Wednesday’s deadline — and some tips to keep in mind.
What do I need to file my tax return?
Generally, everyone who files taxes needs to have the following on hand
— your Social Security number
— W-2 forms, if you are employed
— 1099-G forms, if you are unemployed
— 1099 forms, if you are self-employed
— savings and investment records
— an idea of what deductions you might be eligible for, such as educational expenses, medical bills or charitable donations.
— an idea of relevant tax credits, such as the child tax credit or a retirement savings contribution credit.
To find a more detailed list of documents, visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website.
Tax professionals recommend gathering all your documents in one place before you start filing — as well as having documents from the previous year if your financial situation has changed dramatically. Experts also suggest creating an identity protection number with the IRS to protect against identity theft. Once the number is created, the IRS will require it to file your tax return.
How do I request an extension?
If time to file is running out, you can request an extension to give yourself more time using your preferred tax software, the IRS Free File tool, or by mail.
However, it is important to remember that the extension is only for filing the return, not for paying taxes owed. If you owe money, you must pay an estimated amount before the due date to avoid penalties and interest. If you expect to receive a refund, you will still receive your money when you file your taxes.
The deadline to request an extension is Wednesday, which will give you until October 15 to file the return.
The IRS notes that some taxpayers — including members of the military and people who live and work outside the United States — receive an automatic two-month extension to file until June 15. But again, most payments are still due on April 15.
How can I avoid errors when filing my taxes?
Many people are afraid of getting in trouble with the IRS if they make a mistake. To avoid common mistakes:
— Double check your name on your Social Security card.
It is a good idea to make sure that the name on the declaration matches the name that appears on the Social Security card. Some people may have adopted a new last name after getting married, for example, but if that has not yet been updated with the Social Security Administration, the IRS says you will have to use the old name to avoid delays.
And if you receive a W-2 from an employer with a name that no longer matches your Social Security card, the IRS says you should contact your employer to correct it.
— Look up tax returns if you opted out of receiving paper mail.
Although many important tax documents are still sent in paper, more and more people are choosing to stop receiving traditional mail. If you don’t see it in your mailbox, check your online accounts.
“Just because you didn’t receive anything in the mail doesn’t mean there isn’t a disclosure document out there that you should be aware of and file accordingly,” explained Tom O’Saben, director of tax content and government relations for the National Association of Tax Professionals.
— Declare all your income.
If you had more than one job in 2025, you need W-2 forms for each one.
What resources are available?
For those who earned $89,000 or less last year, IRS Free File offers free guided tax preparation that does the math. And if you have questions while working on your forms, the IRS also offers an interactive tax assistant tool.
In addition to TurboTax and H&R Block, taxpayers can also hire licensed professionals, such as certified public accountants. The IRS offers a directory of tax preparers throughout the United States.
The IRS also funds two types of programs that offer free tax help: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program. People who earn $69,000 or less a year, those who have a disability, and those who speak limited English qualify for the VITA program. Those who are 60 years or older qualify for the TCE program. The IRS has a site to locate organizations that host VITA and TCE clinics.
If you have a tax problem, there are also clinics throughout the country that can help you resolve these issues. Typically, these tax clinics also offer services in other languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
