Optima Tax Relief’s Chief Tax Officer and Lead Tax Attorney, Phil, shares three things he would never do as a taxpayer-and one thing he always makes sure to do every tax season.
Don’t Trust Guaranteed Refund Promises
If you’re hiring someone to prepare your taxes, it’s important to avoid anyone who guarantees the biggest refund. No legitimate tax professional can promise results without fully reviewing your tax information. Claims like this are often a red flag and could lead to errors or even IRS issues down the line.
Don’t Mail Your Tax Return
Avoid snail mailing your tax return whenever possible. Filing electronically is faster, more secure, and reduces the risk of your return getting lost or delayed. Paper filings can also increase the chance of missing information or processing errors, which can slow everything down.
Don’t Believe Everything on Social Media
With so much tax advice circulating online, it’s important to be cautious. There’s no “secret trick” or shortcut that will eliminate your tax bill. Relying on misleading information can end up costing you more in penalties and interest in the long run.
What You Should Do: File Something
If there’s one key takeaway, it’s to take action. Whether you file your tax return on time or request an extension, doing something is always better than doing nothing. And remember: a tax extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you owe taxes, you should still estimate and pay what you can by the April deadline to avoid failure-to-pay penalties and interest.
Bonus Tip: Use Direct Deposit
To speed up your refund, include your direct deposit information when you file. It’s the fastest and most secure way to receive your money.
If you need tax help, contact us today for a Free Consultation