Tax season is officially upon us, and as W-2s, 1099s, and other tax forms start to hit your mailbox, tax filing can seem overwhelming. That’s especially true for first-time filers.
At KH Credit Union, we’re here to help.
Below is a basic outline of steps and tips for filing your taxes, but as always, we encourage you to call or visit our office to learn more about the tax resources we offer.
Collect the necessary information
Make sure you have all the proper paperwork and information you’ll need to file your taxes. Typically, that includes W-2 forms from your employer, any mortgage or student loan interest statements, charitable donation receipts, childcare and education expenses, and IRA or HSA contributions. You may not need all these forms if they don’t apply to your financial situation.
It’s also a good idea to have your bank account statements, your Social Security Number, and your previous year’s filings for reference, if you’ve filed taxes previously.
Be mindful of deadlines
This year, the IRS started accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026, and the deadline to file or request an extension is April 15, 2026. The extended deadline to file your taxes is October, 15, 2026, but please note that any taxes owed for 2025 are still due on April 15. An extension only applies to your filing; any payments received after April 15 may incur interest.
Consider tax prep help
If your taxes are particularly complicated or you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are several tax preparation assistance services that can help you file your taxes and double-check them for accuracy. There is also a free tax preparation service available from the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program for Americans who earn less than $67,000 annually. You can find local VITA sites here.
There are online tax preparation services (common providers include TurboTax and H&R Block) or in-person options, such as a Certified Tax Advisor. Be sure to confirm the authenticity of any tax preparation service before handing over your personal information.
File your taxes early
By filing your taxes early, you can give yourself time to correct any errors if your tax return is rejected for any reason. You can also prevent tax fraud by stopping someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security Number and stealing your refund for themselves.
Most importantly, the earlier you file, the sooner you get a refund!
Double-check for accuracy
Before you file your tax return, be sure to double-check for accuracy, including the correct Social Security Number and account information for your return, and be sure you’ve signed and dated your return. Otherwise, you risk getting your tax return rejected by the IRS.
We know filing your taxes isn’t the most fun you’ll have this year, but we want to help. Be sure to stop by our office today to hear more about the tools and resources we have available to make tax filing as painless as possible.