Tax experts advise early filing to prevent common mistakes
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The deadline for filing your taxes is one week from Tuesday.
The IRS receives hundreds of millions of tax returns each year, and while the deadline is April 15th, tax experts tell 22News it is best to file as early as you can in case there are mistakes or missing information.
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They also say when you are gathering your documents to file your taxes, either yourself or with a trusted tax professional, make sure to secure anything that may have changed in the past year, including if you have welcomed a new child, whether you get married or divorced, or you made some new investments or opened a business.
Besides using a trusted tax professional to file your taxes, there are a few programs through the IRS where qualifying taxpayers can file for free.
There is the IRS Free File Program through their website that includes software that will look for deductibles, credits and exemptions.
Direct File is another free program for qualifying taxpayers through the IRS in 25 participating states, Massachusetts and Connecticut included. Taxpayers can either file through the mail or electronically, but tax professionals say they prefer e-file, as it is more secure.
If you need an extension, the IRS says there are three ways you can get more time.
If you pay what you owe online using an online payment option and check the box that you are paying as part of filing for an extension, you will not need to file a separate extension form, and you will also receive a confirmation number. You can use the IRS Free File program to electronically request an automatic extension. You can file for an extension using the proper form either by mail, online, or through a tax professional. You will have to estimate how much tax you owe on the form.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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