Tax season in the United States arrives in mid-April (this year, April 15, 2026, in most states). If you get organized now, you can receive your refund faster and avoid leaving money on the table.

Before you start, a few facts that matter:

• More than 90% of individual returns are now filed online (e-file), according to the IRS. This shows it's the most reliable and widely used option. Reference below.
• 9 out of 10 refunds are issued in less than 21 days when you file electronically and choose direct deposit. Reference below.
• 8 out of 10 taxpayers receive their refund by direct deposit, the fastest and safest method. Reference below.
• 1 in 5 eligible people don't claim the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit), a benefit that can put thousands of dollars in your pocket. Reference below.
• More than 160 million individual returns are processed every year, so filing without errors helps keep your return from being delayed. Reference below.

7 steps to avoid losing money and speed up your refund

1) File online and choose direct deposit

• What it is: e-file means submitting your return online. Direct deposit means the IRS sends your refund straight to your bank account.
• Why it matters: it reduces errors and speeds up payment. The IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days when you use both options.

2) Check whether you qualify for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit)

• What it is: a “tax credit” reduces your taxes dollar for dollar; if the credit is refundable, you can receive money even if you don't owe taxes. The EITC helps low- and moderate-income workers.
• Tip: many people who qualify don't claim it. If you have children with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) and meet the income requirements, you may qualify. People with an ITIN don't qualify for the EITC, but they may have other benefits if their dependents have an SSN.

3) Don't forget the Child Tax Credit (CTC)

• What it is: a credit for people who support dependent children. At the federal level, the child needs a valid SSN for the credit to be refundable.
• Tip: if you have an ITIN but your child has a valid SSN, you could qualify. Review the income and relationship rules to avoid mistakes.

4) Contribute to your IRA before April 15

• What it is: you can make contributions to an IRA retirement account for last year up until the tax deadline. This can lower your taxes today and help you save for the future.
• Tip: keep the contribution receipt for your records.

5) If you had Marketplace health insurance, reconcile the Premium Tax Credit (Form 1095-A)

• What it is: if you received help paying for your health insurance, you must “reconcile” it on your return (compare the advance payments with the amount you were actually entitled to).
• Why it matters: doing so avoids surprise bills and delays in your refund.

6) Report your dependents and filing status correctly

• What it is: “dependents” are people you support financially who meet the relationship, age, residency and income rules. Your “filing status” (single, married filing jointly, etc.) determines your rates and benefits.
• Tip: mistakes here cause rejections and reviews. Bring birth certificates, SSNs/ITINs and, if applicable, custody agreements to your appointment.

7) Protect your identity and your documents

• What it is: tax identity theft happens when someone files a return in your name to steal your refund.
• Tip: use direct deposit and a strong password for your online portals, and share your documents only through secure channels. Keep your tax records for at least 3 years (IRS recommendation).

How Imfinita Tax Team helps you

• We review every credit (EITC, CTC, education, retirement savings) so you don't leave money on the table.
• We file electronically and set up your direct deposit to speed up your refund.
• If you use an ITIN, we explain which benefits apply to your case and help you renew it if needed.
• Businesses and self-employed workers: we organize your income and expenses to optimize your deductions without taking risks.

Book your appointment today: www.imfinitataxteam.com

Sources and data

• IRS Data Book (statistics and e-file adoption; more than 90% of individual returns are filed electronically): https://www.irs.gov/statistics/irs-data-book
• IRS – Where’s My Refund? (most refunds in less than 21 days with e-file and direct deposit): https://www.irs.gov/refunds/wheres-my-refund
• IRS – Direct Deposit (8 out of 10 taxpayers use direct deposit; the fastest and safest method): https://www.irs.gov/refunds/direct-deposit
• IRS – Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – “as many as one in five eligible do not claim it”: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc
• IRS – Retention of Records (keep your tax documents for at least 3 years): https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/how-long-should-i-keep-records

Note: This information is general in nature and may change. The figures cited come from the most recent publicly available official IRS sources. For personalized advice, schedule a consultation with our team.