4 Things You May Need to Do Before Tax Day on April 18th
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Learn How to Cruise Through the Tax Season
Taxpayers who haven’t filed yet their 2021 tax year returns need to be reminded that the federal tax filing and payment deadline is on April 18th. That’s U.S. Tax Day.
Thanks to the pandemic, taxpayers will have to deal with multiple changes and additions in filing their tax returns. If you don’t want to run the risk of having the IRS slap you with expensive fines, it’s best to file your taxes as early as possible. The sooner you do it, the better your chances of cruising through the tax season.
What You Should Do Before April 18th – Tax Day
With a little prep work, nothing should stand between you and tax filing success. Whether it’s your first time to file your taxes or you have been doing this for years, here are five things you need to be mindful of in filing your taxes on or before April 18th – Tax Day:
- Double-check your documents.
Since tax filing involves a laundry list of paperwork, it’s easy to overlook or miss some documents. In preparing your tax return, it’s always wise to check your files before getting the papers out the door. You’d want to create a checklist of the documents you’ll need, which may include the following:
- Related forms (W-2, 1099, etc.)
- Records or receipts of charitable contributions
- Childcare expenses (if applicable)
- Receipts of mortgage and other property taxes
While you’re at it, keep an eye out for typos or errors. Double-check the information you’ve provided, including the spelling of your name, social security number, and your bank account information.
- Take advantage of tax-filing tools.
Tax filing involves many moving parts. For this reason, it can be difficult for people to figure out which expenses are considered exemptions. Even if they do, some tax filers are unsure how much tax refund the IRS owes them. It can also be difficult to plan what to do with the refunds.
Luckily, tax filing tools are available to help Americans get a rough estimate of the taxes they need to pay or which expenses are considered as tax exemptions. Here are some examples of the tools you can use:
- TurboTax
- 1040.com
- TaxAct
The IRS also offers free tax-filing assistance programs for seniors, disabled individuals, and taxpayers earning less than $55,000 a year.
- Work with a seasoned tax professional.
If you’re having a hard time preparing your tax return, seek help from a seasoned accountant. While you’ll have to pay them for their service, an accountant can save you money that may be a lot more than their service fee. Think of the expenses you never knew were deductible and the hefty tax fines you can avoid. Since accountants are trained to handle numbers, filing other people’s taxes is just another day at the office for them.
- Apply for an extension.
If you’ve done everything to prepare for Tax Day, but still end up missing the tax deadline for some reason (work obligations or family emergencies for example), the best way to go is to file for an extension. If you think you’re going to miss the deadline on April 18th, the IRS will give you until October 17th, 2022, to file your tax returns. Just be sure to apply for an extension before the tax deadline.
Get a Top Tax Deduction While Supporting a Worthy Cause!
If you’re looking to claim a top tax deduction in the next tax season while making a difference in your community, consider donating a vehicle you no longer need to us at Goodwill Car Donations. We’ll turn your donation into a vital source of support for the disadvantaged and struggling residents of your community.
Our team will have your vehicle auctioned off, with the proceeds used to support the life enhancement programs and services being delivered by the Goodwill organizations in your area. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofits cater to disadvantaged Americans — those who are burdened with disabilities, lack of education, job experience, or essential skills, and other limiting personal issues, such as having a welfare mentality and past criminal records.
Your local Goodwill organizations use the funding they get from us to provide their beneficiaries with job and skills training, employment opportunities, scholarships, livelihood assistance, disability benefits, and other essential support services.
Donating to us is easy and convenient. You’ll be doing it in the comfort of your home. Making a Goodwill car donation means a hassle-free experience that’s free of paperwork, complicated steps, and unnecessary requirements.
Moreover, your charitable contribution will entitle you to receive surprisingly useful perks, such as getting our free towing service and the maximum tax deduction that you can claim in the next tax season.
Best of all, you’ll find great satisfaction in doing something that will benefit your entire community when once idle members attain financial stability and start living productive and fulfilling lives, thanks to your donation.
We accept a wide range of vehicle types. Feel free to hand over your spare vehicle to us regardless of its age or condition. We even take vehicles that don’t run or start anymore.
If you’re interested to know more about our vehicle donation program and the rewards awaiting you, head over to our FAQs page. You can also give us a ring at 866-233-8586 or leave us a message here for any concerns or questions that you may have.
Help Build a Brighter Future for Your Community Today
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Your car donation will help create a brighter future not only for your disadvantaged neighbors but for your community as a whole as well. Call Goodwill Car Donations at 866-233-8586 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: May 26th, 2023