If you waited a little too long to file your taxes, don’t fret. According to TODAY, one-third of Americans procrastine filing their taxes. While the deadline to file taxes is April 15, there are things you can do in case you are running out of time but just haven’t gotten around to it. Here are a few tips to use if you are waiting to file your 2024 taxes or what to do if you need some more time.

First, if you need more time, file for an extension by April 15

Filing for an extension is a great way to get yourself on track if you feel like you are falling too far behind. Getting all of your forms together in time for the April 15th deadline is always a struggle. No matter how long you plan, things come up and sometimes it just get away from you. So, instead of just letting it fall to the side, take advantage of the extension and give yourself the time you need to get your forms and files in order. There are other reasons you might need an extension other than procrastination. Did you face a natural disaster like wildfires or flooding? Request an extension so you can continue your recovery.

If you plan to still file by April 15th, get everything together now

There is still time to get your taxes filed by the April 15th deadline. If you want to go that route, get everything you need together now. Did you have health insurance last year? There’s a form for that. Did your job mail you your W-2? Put it in the pile. Did you do some freelance work and have the invoices to tabulate the amount? Get to it, mija. Filing your taxes is easy when you use a digital platform. The IRS has released a new way for filers to file their taxes directly to the IRS through their website.

Check to see if your itemized deductions are more than a standard deduction

Itemized deductions might be really helpful for you. According to CNN, standard deductions include $14,600 for individual people or married couples filing separately. Additionally, married couples might get a $29,900 deduction while head-of-households could get a $21,900 deduction. However, your deductions might be more than these standards. For example, look into whether or not you should deduct your mortgage interest. If you find that the itemized deductions will be more beneficial, then get the forms together to back up the deductions.

Take a deep breath and do what you can right now

Filing taxes is a necessity of adulthood. It might be a very frustrating situation but taxes have to be filed. So, knowing that there is no option, give yourself a little bit of grace and do what you can. Honestly, once you get started, you will find that putting together your tax documents and filling out your forms is easier and faster than you expect. It’s just one of those things that once you get started, you will feel better and it’ll be done before you know it.

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