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 TakeawaysYour federal tax refund can be taken to pay certain debts, including past-due federal taxes, state taxes in some cases, child support, and other qualifying government debts through the Treasury Offset Program. Private creditors generally cannot...
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 haven’t filed in years, penalties and interest continue to build, and the IRS may eventually file a return for you using the income information they have. Getting back into good standing means filing the last six years of returns, though some...
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...
