The period to file 2025 taxes ends on April 15th, but some folks still have work to do before they send theirs off.
Tax expert Alison Flores with H&R Block says extensions are accepted until the very last minute, which is 11:59 p.m. on the 15th.
But, waiting until then can be risky because there isn't any time to gather any additional documentation that may be missed or deal with other unexpected issues that may come up. And anyone planning to file either completed taxes or an extension by mail has something else to watch out for.
“This year, it's more important than ever to file electronically. We do have some recent changes with the United States Postal Service, where postmarks may not be applied the day you mail that envelope,” said Flores.
“So, if you’re looking at filing last-minute like you may be facing now, make sure you file electronically.”
Flores says if a filer still wants to do everything by mail, they should go into the post office and ask for a manual postmark and get it certified.
Other filers say they choose to file electronically in the first place because of how easy it is.
“It's a done deal. Quick and easy, no problems. And then I get a text message on my phone, it's been accepted. And also, an email. So, no worries, you know they already have it, it's confirmed. I think that's the way to go,” said filer Dick Timmons.
With new deductions this year due to the ‘Big, Beautiful Bill,’ some filers have had more questions on how to file properly.
Those can include people who receive tips and earn overtime pay. Applicable deductions include increased standard deduction, increased child tax credit by $200 for a qualifying child, and tips and overtime deductions.
Flores says gathering the right documents to get things done right can be relatively easy.
“The most common confusion we're seeing here is that the employers were not required to report that information in a specific way this year,” said Flores.
The information could be listed in a few different places, like on a W2, a statement from an employer, or pay stubs. All of these documents should be easily available to filers throughout the year.
Filers who are considered part of the ‘gig economy’ will also need to do some additional steps. Those jobs include rideshare drivers and food delivery drivers, as well as some other positions.
“What you want to do is gather your statements that you received. Your delivery service or your driving service may give you a 1099, but you'll also want to look for statements that show the types of income you received, broken down by tips, reimbursements, and incentives,” said Flores. “And you'll also always want your mileage records, your logs for mileage. What we [at H&R Block] really recommend is to reach out to a tax professional, especially if you haven't done your taxes before as a service industry worker in one of those services, so you can make sure you get set up correctly and take all the deductions that you're eligible to receive.”
If it’s someone’s first time working with a tax preparer, it’s important to watch out for scammers looking to take advantage. Flores says there are signs to be aware of.
“Some things to watch out for are a lower-than-expected price or tax pro saying something like, ‘I can get you a much larger refund than anyone else,’ said Flores. “Those might be tips that you're working with a scammer. You should look for an established professional, someone who has signage, advertising, that you could look up if you tried to find them on the IRS site, that's reputable, and that you can access anytime if you receive an IRS notice.”
To file an extension electronically, follow this link: Get an extension to file your tax return | Internal Revenue Service
Instructions on how to file for a variety of situations can be found here: Filing | Internal Revenue Service
