If you’re still finishing your taxes in April, you’re not alone. The IRS expects about 164 million individual returns this year, and as of early April, tens of millions of taxpayers were still finalizing returns ahead of the deadline.
Filing close to the tax deadline doesn’t automatically lead to penalties or problems — but it does leave less time to catch and fix issues before you submit.
Here’s what to watch for and how to stay on track as the April 15 Tax Day deadline approaches.
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1. Missing tax forms?
One of the most common issues in this phase is missing paperwork. With the IRS processing more than 150 million returns each year, forms like 1099s from freelance work, investment accounts, or side income can arrive late or be corrected close to the deadline.
- Filing before you have all the required forms can lead to errors or require an amended return (Form 1040-X) later.
- And that can create a processing bottleneck, delaying any refund you’re expecting.
- Often, a rushed return results in more work and a longer refund wait than simply holding off until you’re ready.
So before you file, take a few extra minutes to review your accounts and income sources to make sure nothing is missing.
And if you’re still waiting on tax records, it may be better to bide your time or file for an extension than submit an incomplete return.
2. Personal information errors
Small tax return mistakes can cause big problems at the Tax Day deadline. Surprisingly simple issues can lead the IRS to potentially reject your return or delay processing.
Some common examples include:
- A misspelled name
- ● An incorrect Social Security number
- ● An outdated address
- ● Incorrect direct deposit details
These kinds of errors are easy to miss when you’re moving quickly, but they can slow things down more than you might expect. So before submitting your return, double-check your personal information and make sure what’s on your return matches your official records.
Tip: Be sure to double-check your filing status, especially if your situation changed during the year due to a marriage, divorce, or the loss of a spouse.
3. Direct deposit information
Entering your banking information is one of the last steps when filing, and one of the easiest places to make a mistake when you’re moving quickly.
An incorrect routing or account number can cause delays. If the account doesn’t match, the bank may reject the deposit and return it to the IRS — or worse, send your tax refund to the wrong place.
According to the IRS, most refunds are issued within a few weeks when direct deposit information is correct, but missing or invalid details can delay the process. As Kiplinger has reported, that’s especially been true since the IRS is phasing out paper checks.
- Before submitting your return, confirm your payment details are correct.
- Also, keep a record of your submission and confirmation from the IRS or your tax software.
4. IRS verification flags on your return
The IRS may flag a return for identity verification, especially if something doesn’t match prior filings or looks unusual. This doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a serious issue.
- But if your return is flagged during verification, it won’t be processed until the issue is resolved, which can delay any refund you were expecting.
- If the IRS initiates contact after you file, it will typically do so by mail sent to the address on your most recent return.
- If you receive a legitimate IRS notice, follow the instructions carefully and respond promptly to avoid further delays.
Note: The IRS has also warned that some scam notices appear legitimate, so verify any communication by checking your IRS online account or calling the IRS directly.
5. Waiting too late on Tax Day to file
IRS systems handle a surge of traffic on Tax Day, which is April 15 for most filers. While that usually isn’t an issue, last-minute filing can lead to technical problems or longer upload wait times.
If you run into a technical issue close to the deadline, you may not have enough time to fix it before the cutoff.
Filing earlier in the day can give you more time to deal with any issues if something doesn’t go through on the first try.
6. Payment deadlines If you owe taxes
If you owe taxes, an extension gives you more time to file, but it doesn’t change your payment deadline.
You can pay online through IRS Direct Pay, a debit or credit card, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or by setting up a payment plan if needed.
Make sure to double-check your information and keep a record of your payment confirmation.
7. Missed or incorrect tax credits and deductions
Tax credits and deductions can lower your tax bill or increase your refund, but they’re also easy to overlook when you’re rushing to file.
Missing a credit you qualify for — or entering incorrect information — can affect your final numbers and potentially delay processing if something doesn’t match IRS records.
Common areas to double-check include education credits, child-related tax benefits, and deductions tied to self-employment or business expenses.
Before you file, review the tax breaks you’ve claimed and make sure they’re accurate and complete based on your records. Consulting with a tax professional is a good idea if you’re uncertain.
8. State tax deadlines that differ from federal Tax Day
While most states stick to the April 15 deadline, not all do. In Virginia, for example, state tax returns are typically due May 1, while Hawaii filers usually have until April 20.
Depending on where you live, your state deadline may not match the federal timeline.
And in some cases, deadlines can shift even further. The IRS and state tax agencies may extend filing and payment deadlines for taxpayers in areas affected by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, wildfires, or severe storms.