If you missed the April 15, 2026, filing deadline, the most important step is to file as soon as possible. Whether you owe the IRS or are expecting a refund, delaying your return increases the risk of penalties and lost credits under the new 2026 tax laws.
USPS Postmark Changes & Tax Deadline Risk for U.S. Taxpayers
A longstanding assumption about mailing tax returns is no longer reliable — and the cost of getting it wrong is steep.
For years, the rule was straightforward: mail your federal tax return or payment by April 15, and the IRS considers it on time. But U.S. Postal Service operational changes have quietly undermined that assumption, creating a costly trap for taxpayers across the country.
What Is the Saver’s Credit?
The Retirement Savings Contributions Credit, commonly called the Saver’s Credit, is a federal tax credit designed to encourage low- and moderate-income workers to save for retirement. It provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the tax owed, supplementing other tax benefits available for retirement contributions. In recent years, millions of taxpayers have benefited, with the credit averaging several hundred dollars per eligible return.
Reasons and Rules for Filing an Amended Return
Once a tax return is filed, most people breathe a little easier. But it’s not uncommon to realize too late that something was left off a return, figures were misreported or some other error was made. Accuracy is essential, but, depending on the type of error, an amendment may not be required.
Figuring out Your Correct Tax Filing Status
Understanding Your Tax Filing Status: A Key Factor in Your Tax Return Your filing status plays a crucial role in your tax return—it determines which tax forms you need, the size of your standard deduction, your eligibility for tax credits, …
Discovering a Mistake After Your Tax Return Is Filed
Did you file your tax return and then realize you’d made a mistake? Perhaps you completed your return yourself and made an error in math or neglected to include a schedule that should’ve been attached. Or maybe you recently remembered some large, potentially deductible charitable donations you’d made early in the year that you’d forgotten to tell your tax professional about. Now, you may be wondering if you need to file an amended return.
What To Know About Keeping Good Tax Records
It’s January, and tax season is right around the corner. For many people, that means scrambling to collect receipts, mileage logs, and other tax-related documents needed to prepare their tax returns. If this describes you, chances are, you’re wishing you’d kept on top of it during the year so you could avoid this scenario yet again. With this in mind, here are seven suggestions to help taxpayers like you keep good records throughout the year:
Federal Tax Returns: Should You File an Extension?
Obtaining a six-month extension to file is relatively easy, and there are legitimate reasons for doing so; however, there are also a few downsides. If you need more time to file your federal income tax return this year, here’s what you need to know.
Deducting Casualty Losses on a Tax Return
Every year, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and other natural disasters affect US citizens. The bad news is that recovery efforts after natural disasters can be costly. For instance, when hurricanes strike, they not only cause wind damage but can cause widespread flooding.
Important Information About Economic Impact Letters
The IRS began issuing Letter 6475, Your Third Economic Impact Payment, to EIP recipients in late January. This letter helps Economic Impact Payment recipients determine if they are entitled to and should claim the recovery rebate credit on their 2021 tax returns when they file in 2022. It contains information that can reduce errors and delays and help taxpayers or tax professionals prepare their 2021 federal tax returns.