Tax season is officially here! The IRS began accepting and processing tax returns on January 29, 2025, marking the start of a busy but important time of year. Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful—with a little preparation, you can tackle tax season with confidence. Here’s what you need to know to stay on track and maximize your refund.
Key Tax Deadlines
- April 15, 2025 – This is the deadline to file your federal tax return and make any payments if you owe taxes.
- October 15, 2025 – If you file for an extension, this is the last day to submit your tax return.
- If you expect a refund, filing early can get your money back faster!
Know Your Filing Status
Your filing status impacts your tax bracket, standard deduction, and eligibility for certain credits. Common filing statuses include:
- Single – For those who are unmarried or legally separated.
- Married Filing Jointly – Typically the best option for married couples, offering higher deductions.
- Married Filing Separately – Might be beneficial in specific financial situations.
- Head of Household – For single filers who support dependents, often providing a larger deduction.
Gather All Necessary Documents
Before you file, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork, including:
- W-2s and 1099s – Earnings from jobs or freelance work.
- ID and Social Security numbers – For you, your spouse, and any dependents.
- Previous year’s tax return – Helpful for reference.
- Bank account information – For direct deposit of your refund.
- Deduction-related documents – Receipts for charitable donations, medical expenses, or education credits.
- Any IRS letters – If you received stimulus payments, advanced Child Tax Credit, or other notifications.
Protect Yourself from Tax Fraud
Tax-related identity theft is a real threat, but you can take steps to protect yourself:
- File early to reduce the risk of someone else fraudulently using your information.
- Never share your Social Security number or tax information over email or phone unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity.
- Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on tax-related accounts.
- Be cautious of phishing scams claiming to be from the IRS.
Dealing with Back Taxes? You Have Options
If you owe taxes from previous years, don’t panic! The IRS offers payment plans, and there are resources available to help you navigate repayment options. Ignoring back taxes can lead to penalties and interest, so acting now is the best approach. Our Financial Wellness at Work (FWW) program can guide you in understanding your options.
Tax Filing Resources
Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Take advantage of these trusted resources:
- Self-Service Online Tax Filing: United Way offers MyFreeTaxes.com (https://myfreetaxes.com/), an easy-to-use online platform for free or low-cost filing assistance.
- In-Person Assistance: The Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) provides free tax filing assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. If you meet income requirements, their team can help ensure you maximize credits and deductions while making tax filing more accessible.
We’re Here to Support You!
Navigating tax season can be stressful, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Financial Wellness at Work program is here to answer your questions, direct you to helpful resources, and provide the clarity you need to feel confident about filing your taxes. If you have concerns about tax prep, refunds, deductions, or back taxes, reach out—we’re here to help!
Make this tax season a smooth one by preparing early, staying informed, and taking advantage of the resources available to you. You’ve got this!