The tax deadline is almost here! Here are some last-minute tax reminders if you’re still working on filing your taxes.
Although it may not be the most fun financial task, it is a necessary commitment that each of us makes every year. And if you use great tax software, filing your taxes won’t take as long as you might fear.
But tax filing time isn’t just about filing returns. There are things you can do today to help you save money on your tax bill, and help you save time filing documents.
Here are the best last-minute tax tips to consider this season.
Don’t miss the tax filing deadline
First, the tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026 — a normal year for the first time in a while.
There are a few exceptions to this if you live in a disaster area this year. Check with the IRS List of tax deadline extensions.
Most states that levy income tax also require that the tax be paid by April 15. However, some states have introduced later deadlines.
Double-check your return before filing
When you’re scrambling to the tax finish line, don’t rush through the important details. An error on your tax form can cause major problems in the future.
Every year we read stories about people who accidentally misspelled their names, addresses or numbers. While tax software can help catch obvious errors, it cannot detect some errors such as entering incorrect bank account information.
So don’t rush! Be sure to provide the correct Social Security number and include all necessary signatures.
We also recommend that you review different sections of your return to ensure that you have not made any major typo. For example, a single zero separates $8,000 from $80,000. If you misspelled a single value, it could understate or overstate your income, and this type of error could delay the processing of your tax return.
While filing your return, take advantage of opportunities to review your numbers. Double check that it makes sense with your actual income. This is easy to do using software like H&R Block Online that provides departmental summaries of income, deductions, and credits.
Make sure you have all your tax forms
Although most people have settled into a new normal in the past year, it remains noticeably turbulent. You may have claimed unemployment, received government stimulus checks, had a side income, or other “atypical” forms of income. Here are some tax forms you shouldn’t overlook this year:
- 1099-G: Unemployment income. 1099-G forms provide information on unemployment income (and whether taxes were withheld from income). While employment numbers are currently strong, many people started 2021 out of work, and need to claim that income. If you do not receive this form, you may need to go to your state’s website to learn how to request an online copy of the letter.
- 1099-NEC: Non-Employee Income Reporting Forms. The 1099-NEC indicates non-employment income. Bloggers with this type of income are considered self-employed, and may be eligible for all types of self-employed deductions. If you earn more than $600 from a single business entity, they are supposed to provide you with a 1099-NEC number.
If you’re waiting for late tax forms, check out this guide.
File your taxes even if you owe
Even if you owe money on your taxes, you want to file your tax return on time. Interest on late taxes is a reasonable interest rate, but the penalties for failing to file returns are steep, and increase the rate you would pay on late taxes.
Filing your taxes will also help you determine how much money you owe, so you can make a specific plan for paying back taxes.
Look for legitimate deductions and credits
Great tax software makes it easy to claim legitimate tax deductions and credits. Great tax software makes it easy to itemize deductions or claim deductions for student loan interest or charitable gifts.
It also helps you find accreditations such as:
Don’t forget your self-employment expenses
Whether you’re a full-time freelancer or a side hustler, you likely have some form of freelance income. Most forms of self-employed income are accompanied by tax-deductible expenses.
Before you file, comb through your electronic receipts to find expenses that are considered tax deductible. Some common deductible expenses include a portion of Internet costs, website maintenance costs, educational materials, and any direct costs of goods sold. You may be surprised at the sheer number of tax-deductible expenses that can be found in your side hustle.
Recording these costs allows you to claim them on your tax return. H&R Block Self-Employed Online explains some legitimate deductions, so you can look up these expenses in your past credit card statements and other records.
If your side hustle becomes a full-time activity, you might consider getting professional help as well. H&R Block has tax experts who can help you in any situation, from filing your taxes this year, to getting the help you need to set yourself up for success next year.
Claim your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) expenses
Many employers offer dependent care flexible spending accounts, health care flexible spending accounts, and other tax-advantaged spending accounts. The money in your Flexible Spending Accounts is yours, but it’s up to you to claim the money in it. If you don’t claim the money by tax time, you’ll likely lose the money in those accounts, even if you set aside the money yourself.
If you’re lucky, you may have a few weeks left to spend the money in the account. So stock up on contact lenses, brush your teeth, or do whatever you need to do to use that money. Then submit your receipts, so you can get reimbursed.
Even if you can’t continue spending, you may still be eligible to submit receipts for reimbursement.
Each employer has different rules regarding flexible spending accounts, so check with your human resources representative to find out what you need to do to take advantage of these funds.
Contribute to an IRA or Roth IRA
An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a tax-advantaged investment account designed for retirement. People who contribute to an IRA can claim a tax deduction this year for the money they contributed. The money can grow tax-free until you withdraw it during retirement. There are income limits associated with IRA contributions, and the maximum you can contribute in tax year 2025 is $7,000 ($8,000 for people age 50 and older). Contributions aren’t due until tax day, so this is a great way to save on taxes this year.
Roth IRAs are similar to traditional IRAs, but they don’t allow you to claim a tax deduction this year. Instead, you pay taxes on your contribution this year. Gains and distributions are then tax-free.
Even though you don’t get a tax deduction, you must complete your 2025 Roth IRA contributions by April 15, 2026.
Note: You can also contribute to your HSA for 2025 through April 15, 2026.
Bottom line
As you near the end of tax filing season, consider taking advantage of these last-minute tax tips that could save you money. The tips above can help you if you’re considering a DIY approach to filing your taxes. However, general advice is not a substitute for help from a tax professional or tax filing service. Professionals can help you with tax preparation and questions specific to your situation.
