(NewsNation) — Filing taxes can be a stressful and confusing time, especially if you are filing your return without the help of a tax professional. It becomes even more stressful if your tax refund is delayed.
Your refund could be delayed for several reasons, including an incomplete return, math errors, mismatched Social Security number, and filing too early or too late, according to TurboTax.
The filing due date is fast approaching, so the Internal Revenue Service has offered tips on how to prevent your refund from being delayed.
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Have tax-related paperwork handy
You should always keep any tax-related paperwork readily available, including your W-2, 1099s, and your previous year’s tax return. You should also have supporting p aperwork for any tax deductions or credits that you qualify for, such as educational credits or interest payments on your mortgage.
Use e-file for your tax return
You can use e-file services from the IRS, or third-party tax companies, such as H&R Block or TurboTax. This minimizes any errors and helps find any credits or deductions that you might qualify for. Using an e-file service can also help you receive your refund quicker than if you were to mail in your return.
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Check your tax filing status and personal information
When filing your tax return, you should take the time to make sure your filing status is correct. There are five filing statuses: Single, married filing jointly; married filing separately; head of household and qualifying surviving spouse.
You also need to check all personal information, including your name, address, and Social Security number, is accurate. You can choose to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account. So, if you choose this option, you will also want to make sure you provide the IRS with the correct routing and account number.
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Answer digital assets question on tax return
For specific forms — such as Form 1040, 1040-SR, and 1040-NR — you might need to check a box, and answer “Yes” or “No” to the digital assets question. This is any income you earn through a digital transaction.
Report all your taxable income
Most of your income needs to be reported to the IRS. If you do not report all taxable income, you can accrue interest or face other penalties. This can include income that you earned from unemployment benefits, gigs, or digital assets.
Sign and date your tax return
If you are filing electronically, you will need to sign and authenticate your return by putting in your adjusted gross income (AGI) from the previous year.
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Keep a copy of your tax return
Once you have finished your return, you should create a copy of it for yourself. This can help you with future tax returns or if you need to amend your current return.
Ask for an extension on filing your taxes
If you need to request an extension, you can contact the IRS. You will have the option of a six-month extension, which would make your filing deadline Oct. 15, 2025. This will also help you avoid any late fees.
If you want to check the status of your tax refund, you can use the Where’s My Refund tool.
