Key TakeawaysA federal extension provides six extra months to file, but all taxes owed must still be paid by the April 15th deadline to avoid penalties and interest. For 2026, the IRS assesses a 0.5% monthly failure-to-pay penalty plus 7% annual interest...
Key TakeawaysToday’s tax scams look professional, sound convincing, and are built to get your Social Security number, filing credentials, or signature on a bad return. A big refund promise is one of the clearest warning signs of a scam. You are responsible...
Key TakeawaysThe IRS does not initiate first contact by phone, text, email, or social media. Initial contact is generally made by mail. A message demanding immediate payment, threatening arrest, or asking for gift cards, crypto, or banking information is a...
Key TakeawaysA federal tax extension gives you until October 15 to file your individual return, but it does not extend the time to pay tax due. Filing an extension makes sense when your return would otherwise be incomplete or inaccurate. You should consider...
Key TakeawaysIf you had freelance or side gig income in 2025, you report it on Schedule C. If your net profit is $400 or more, you also file Schedule SE for self-employment tax. Even if you never receive a 1099, your freelance or side gig income is still...
Key TakeawaysMost federal tax refunds are issued within 10–21 days after the IRS accepts your e-filed return. E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest method, usually delivering refunds within about three weeks. Returns claiming credits like the Earned...
