April is the key month for your taxes. Whether you're an employee, independent contractor, small business owner or rideshare/delivery app driver, or you bought or sold a home last year, this quick guide will help you file on time, take advantage of important credits and avoid headaches.

The essentials, in a few lines

• File or request an extension before April 15, 2026. An “extension” only gives you more time to submit your return, not to pay. If you owe and don't pay, interest and possible penalties will build up.
• File electronically (e-file) and use direct deposit. The IRS issues 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days when you e-file with direct deposit (source below).
• Don't leave money on the table: 1 in 5 eligible people don't claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a powerful benefit for low- and moderate-income workers.

5 clear steps to file correctly (and on time)

• 1) Gather all your income documents
  • Forms W-2 (employment), 1099-NEC (self-employment), 1099-INT/1099-DIV (banks/investments), and account statements if you sold crypto or received tips.
  • Gig economy (apps): even if you don't receive a form, that income is generally taxable. Keep a record of what you earned and your work expenses (gas, maintenance, app fees, equipment), with receipts.
• 2) Review the credits that put the most money in your pocket
  • EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit): it's a “credit,” meaning a direct reduction of your taxes; it can generate a refund even if you don't owe anything. The IRS estimates that about 20% of people who qualify don't claim it. If you have children, earned income and meet the rules, look into it.
  • Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit: if you paid for daycare or care for your children/dependents so you could work, you might qualify.
  • Saver's Credit: if you contributed to a retirement plan (IRA/401(k)), this credit could reduce your tax bill.
• 3) Use e-file and direct deposit for faster results
  • More than 9 out of 10 individual returns are filed by e-file. It's faster and reduces errors.
  • With direct deposit, the IRS sends most refunds in less than 21 days.
• 4) If you need more time, request an extension… but pay your estimated amount
  • File Form 4868 electronically before April 15 to generally get until October 15 to submit your complete return.
  • Calculate and pay what you think you owe now to avoid interest and penalties. Tip: if you're not sure, pay a conservative estimate.
• 5) Pay attention to state health insurance rules
  • At the federal level, there's no penalty for not having health insurance. But some states (CA, DC, MA, NJ, RI) do have one. If you live there and went without coverage, check whether a state penalty applies or whether you qualify for an exemption.

Bonus for small business owners and freelancers

• Keep personal and business expenses separate. Use a separate bank account.
• Deduct “ordinary and necessary” expenses for your business activity (e.g., equipment, supplies, business use of your car, platform fees). Keep your invoices/receipts.
• Consider making quarterly estimated payments for 2026 if you had a balance due this year. Avoid surprises and penalties.

How Imfinita Tax Team helps you

• A review of credits so you don't leave money on the table (EITC, dependent care, Saver's Credit, education and more).
• Electronic filing with direct deposit and tracking of your refund.
• Strategies for freelancers and small businesses: deductible expenses, simple bookkeeping and quarterly estimates.
• Support in English and Spanish. Book your appointment today at www.imfinitataxteam.com.

Sources and references

• Electronic filing, refund timing and extensions:
  • IRS — Refund timing
  • IRS — Extension of time to file (Form 4868)
  • IRS — Filing Season Statistics (e-file adoption)
  • IRS — e-File Statistics
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and participation:
  • IRS — Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • IRS/EITC Outreach (estimate that ~1 in 5 eligible people don't claim it)
• Gig economy (app income):
  • IRS — Gig Economy Tax Center
• State health insurance mandates:
  • California (FTB)
  • District of Columbia
  • Massachusetts
  • New Jersey
  • Rhode Island

Have last-minute questions? Send us a message and we'll give you a clear, quick answer so you can file on time and with confidence.

Note: The figures cited come from the latest available official reports (mainly 2023–2024). Rules can change; confirm current details before filing. Imfinita Tax Team can help you review your specific situation.