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...
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...
Key TakeawaysThe IRS cannot take money you need for basic living expenses if doing so creates economic hardship You have the right to force the IRS to consider your actual financial reality There are legal resolutions that can stop collections, even if the...
