One Month Left! Your Last-Minute Tax Filing Checklist
The April 15 tax deadline is only one month away! If you haven’t filed yet, don’t panic—there’s still time to get everything done and avoid late fees. The key is to stay organized, avoid mistakes, and know your options.
At JR Chance Accounting and Tax Preparation, we help individuals and families navigate tax season with ease. Follow this last-minute checklist to get your taxes filed on time!
1. Gather All Your Tax Documents
Before you start, make sure you have:
✔️ W-2s and 1099s – These show your income from work, contract jobs, or side gigs.
✔️ Bank and investment statements – If you earned interest or dividends, you’ll need these.
✔️ Mortgage and property tax records – Homeowners may qualify for deductions.
✔️ Charitable donation receipts – If you gave to a qualified charity, you may get a tax break.
✔️ Medical and childcare expenses – Some costs may be deductible or qualify for credits.
Tip: If you’re missing a tax form, check online or call the issuer for a copy ASAP!
2. Check for Common Deductions & Credits
Many people miss out on tax savings because they don’t realize they qualify for deductions and credits. Some of the most common include:
✔️ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Helps lower-income earners reduce taxes owed.
✔️ Child Tax Credit – A benefit for parents with dependent children.
✔️ Retirement Contributions – Contributions to IRAs may be deductible.
✔️ Education Credits – If you or a dependent were in school, you may qualify.
Not sure what applies to you? JR Chance Accounting and Tax Preparation can help find every deduction you qualify for!
3. Avoid Last-Minute Filing Mistakes
Rushing to file can lead to costly errors like:
❌ Entering the wrong Social Security number.
❌ Forgetting to sign or submit required forms.
❌ Filing under the wrong status (Single, Married, Head of Household).
❌ Mistyping direct deposit details, delaying your refund.
A simple mistake can slow down your refund or trigger an IRS notice. A tax professional can double-check everything to make sure it’s right.
4. Know Your Options If You Can’t Pay Right Away
If you owe taxes but don’t have the money to pay in full, don’t ignore it! The IRS offers:
💳 Payment Plans – Set up monthly payments to avoid large penalties.
🛑 Penalty Relief – In some cases, you may qualify for reduced penalties.
The worst thing you can do is do nothing—penalties and interest will keep adding up. JR Chance Accounting and Tax Preparation can help you explore your options.
5. Consider Filing an Extension (But Know the Rules!)
If you can’t meet the April 15 deadline, you can file an extension to get more time—until October 15—to submit your return. However:
⚠️ An extension does NOT give you extra time to pay taxes owed.
⚠️ You must still estimate and pay what you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties.
If you need an extension, JR Chance Accounting and Tax Preparation can help file it for you.
6. Get Professional Help for a Stress-Free Filing
Tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re feeling rushed or unsure about your taxes, JR Chance Accounting and Tax Preparation is here to help.
📞 Call us today at (870) 777-3270 or visit www.jrchance.com to schedule an appointment.
The clock is ticking—let’s get your taxes filed correctly and on time!