Tax Day is April 15, 2025, and there are steps you can take to be as prepared as possible to file your taxes.
First and foremost, the IRS recommends that you create or access your account at IRS.gov/account . IRS.gov states, “Use online account to securely access the latest information available about your federal tax account and see information from your most recently filed tax return.”
Next, you’ll want to gather and organize your tax records. Ensuring that your tax records are organized makes it easier for you and for your accountant (if you have one). Bryan Lundbohm, a tax accountant located in Roseau, Minnesota, recommends that you don’t rush to file right away because forms can come later. He said, “Give it a little extra time to make sure you’ve got all your tax forms so you don’t have to redo or resubmit.”
Tax records can include forms W-2 from your employers and forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies and other payers including unemployment compensation , dividends , etc. Visit the IRS website to see what other forms you may need.
You must also notify the IRS if your address changes and notify the Social Security Administration of a legal name change.
Next, you should check your individual tax identification number (ITIN) . According to the IRS, “An ITIN only needs to be renewed if it has expired and is needed on a U.S. federal tax return. If you do not renew an expiring or expired ITIN, the IRS can still accept your tax return but it may delay processing it or delay tax credits owed to you, such as the Child Tax Credit and the American Opportunity Tax Credit, which can impact when you get your tax refund.”
Then, you’ll want to get an identity protection personal identification number (IP PIN). An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. This is a crucial tool for ensuring the safety of your personal and financial information.
The IRS says the best way to sign up for an IP PIN is through your IRS online account . If you can’t make an Online Account, other options are available, such as in-person authentication at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. More information regarding IP PIN is available here .
Next, make sure you’ve withheld enough tax. If you’ve owed taxes or received a large refund when you filed, consider adjusting your withholding . Changing your withholding can help you avoid a tax bill or let you keep more money each payday — both more desirable. Life changes (marriage, divorce, children, second jobs) may mean changing your withholding, or credit amounts may change each year. Visit IRS.gov and use the Interactive Tax Assistant to identify whether you qualify for any tax credits that may need a withholding adjustment.
Using the Tax Withholding Estimator available on IRS.gov can help you determine the right amount of tax to have withheld from your paycheck. Read more about withholding on the IRS website.
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is the fastest and easiest way to get your tax refund . If you don’t have a bank account, the IRS website will walk you through how to get one. As a plus, direct deposit also avoids the possibility of a refund check getting lost, stolen or returned to the IRS as undeliverable.
It is important to stay up-to-date on changes and possible new laws that may affect your tax refund. The best way to stay informed is through the IRS website . Bryan Lundbohm said that the tax filing system remains similar, but there are always small changes being made, so staying on top of tax laws and the little adjustments is crucial to ensure you can save on taxes.
Taxes can sometimes be a confusing, intimidating topic, but there are people and resources available to help.
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