When Disaster Strikes: Extra Time to File Taxes and Understanding Casualty Losses

Imagine this: your home’s been battered by a hurricane, your street’s a river of mud after a flood, or wildfires have left nothing but ash where your business once stood. In moments like these, the last thing on your mind is digging through soggy papers—or worse, ashes—to file your taxes on time. Thankfully, the IRS gets it. When natural disasters hit and FEMA steps in to declare a federal disaster area, the IRS often swoops in with a lifeline: extended deadlines to file your taxes and pay what you owe. As of March 25, 2025, this relief is helping folks across the U.S. pick up the pieces without the tax clock ticking over their heads. Here’s how it works, why it matters, and what you need to know about claiming casualty losses to lighten the load.

A Break When You Need It Most

Picture yourself in the chaos of a … Read the rest “When Disaster Strikes: Extra Time to File Taxes and Understanding Casualty Losses”

Why Your Tax Refund Feels Like Pocket Change This Year

Tax season’s here again, and if you’re like me, you’ve probably been daydreaming about what to do with that sweet refund check—maybe pay off some holiday credit card debt, treat yourself to a weekend getaway, or just breathe easier for a month. But as folks start filing in early 2025, there’s a collective groan echoing across the country: “Wait, that’s it?” Yup, refunds are looking a little puny this year, and it’s got a lot of us scratching our heads. Here’s what’s behind the shrinking checks—and why it’s not all bad news.

The Paycheck Plot Twist

Picture this: you’re sipping coffee, glancing at your pay stub last year, and noticing a few extra bucks you didn’t expect. Nice, right? Well, that’s part of the reason your refund’s playing hide-and-seek now. The IRS has been tweaking how much tax gets pulled from your paycheck, trying to match it closer to … Read the rest “Why Your Tax Refund Feels Like Pocket Change This Year”

Tax Filing Deadline Approaches, Get Free Tax Filing Turbotax

IRS Free File (Free Tax Filing TurboTax) is available to most tax filers as everyone gets ready to file for the April 17th deadline this year. You can access the free tax filing Turbotax software on the IRS.gov site or through the IRS2Go phone app. Android and iOS versions are available in the appropriate app stores from the providers.

IRS Free File (Free Tax Filing Turbotax)
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IRS Free File gives you the option to use fill-able forms or software developed by the leading software companies like TurboTax and H&R Block. All twelve companies that are a part of the program offer specials for you. Specials are based on your state of residence, age and income. Use the Lookup tool to compare the different offers. State returns often cost a little bit more, but a few of the companies offer free state tax returns.

H&R Block Filing

Military personnel also get special offers and the software … Read the rest “Tax Filing Deadline Approaches, Get Free Tax Filing Turbotax”