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Understanding tax deadlines, required documents, and how refunds work can save you time, money, and stress. Below you'll find straightforward guidance on filing dates, document prep, ITIN basics, and Texas notary requirements, gathered in one place so you can prepare with confidence.

Tax Deadlines to Know

Missing a deadline can mean penalties or a delayed refund. If you pay estimated taxes, payments are typically due in mid-April, mid-June, mid-September, and mid-January of the following year. Deadlines shift slightly when they fall on a weekend or holiday, so confirm the exact date for the current filing season before you file. Need help meeting one of these dates? See our tax preparation services.

Individual Filing Deadline

Federal individual income tax returns are typically due April 15 each year. If that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the IRS moves the deadline to the next business day.

Extension Deadline

Filing Form 4868 extends your filing deadline to October 15. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay, so any tax owed is still due by the original April deadline.

Business Return Deadline

Partnerships and S-corporations typically file by March 15. Calendar-year C-corporations generally follow the April deadline. We'll confirm which applies to your business during your consultation.

Document Checklist for Filing Season

Bring or upload these documents so we can prepare an accurate return the first time. Exact requirements vary by situation, but this covers what most filers need. See our tax preparation services for how these documents come together into your return.

Personal Filers

  • W-2s, 1099s, or other records of income earned during the year.
  • A valid photo ID and Social Security number or ITIN for you and any dependents.
  • Last year's tax return, plus receipts for deductions or credits you plan to claim, such as childcare, education, or medical expenses.

Business & LLC Filers

  • Profit and loss statements, bank statements, and receipts for business expenses throughout the year.
  • Your Employer Identification Number and LLC or corporation formation paperwork, especially useful for a business's first return.
  • W-2s issued to employees and 1099s issued to contractors, along with payroll tax filings if applicable.

Checking Your Refund and Avoiding Delays

Once your return is filed, the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov is the fastest way to check your status. Most taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit receive their refund within 21 days. Paper returns and refunds sent by mail generally take longer. The IRS updates refund status once per day. You'll need your Social Security number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to check.

Errors, missing information, identity verification, and returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, which the IRS holds until mid-February by law, can all add time to your refund.

ITIN Basics

An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, is for people who need to file or be listed on a U.S. tax return but don't qualify for a Social Security number. This often includes spouses and dependents. Applying requires proof of identity and foreign status, most commonly a passport, along with your completed application. Visit our ITIN application page for a closer look at how the process works.

  • Valid passport or combination of two ID documents.
  • Completed ITIN application.
  • Federal tax return attached, in most cases.

Notary Requirements in Texas

Texas notary rules are straightforward, but a few requirements catch people off guard. Here's what to have ready before your appointment. Need something notarized? Visit our notary services page to book a time.

  • A valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport. An expired ID cannot be accepted.
  • An unsigned document. Sign in front of the notary, not before, so your signature can be witnessed.
  • A scheduled appointment. Notarizations require meeting in person, and our mobile notary can travel to you, so reach out ahead of time.
FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you owe tax and miss the deadline, penalties and interest generally start accruing on the unpaid balance. Filing as soon as possible limits how much you owe in penalties, even if you can't pay in full right away.

  • You can request an extension by filing Form 4868 by the original deadline. This moves your filing deadline to October 15, though any tax owed is still due on the original date.

  • Amended returns generally take up to 16 weeks to process. You can check the status using the IRS "Where's My Amended Return?" tool.

  • Yes. Prior year returns can be filed at any time. If you owed tax for that year, penalties and interest may apply, but filing sooner limits how much accrues.

  • If you're self-employed or otherwise don't have taxes withheld from your income, you may need to make quarterly estimated payments. We can help you determine whether this applies to you during a consultation.

  • Gather what you have and reach out early. We'll help you identify what's missing and, if needed, walk through your options for requesting extra time.

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  • Our Support Available Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Call us at +1 (832) 752 4447
  • Email Us Email your questions at rtnstaxes@gmail.com
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