The April 18 deadline to file individual tax returns is rapidly approaching. But don’t fret if you haven’t even looked through your tax documents yet.

Here are some tips for how to get back on track to filing your taxes before Tax Day.

Get Your Tax Documents Sorted

Take a deep breath and check your mail. Third parties are required to send you hard copies of your tax documents.

Tax documents may include W-2 forms if you have an employer, 1099-NEC forms from your clients if you are a contractor, SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S forms if you received Social Security benefits, and 1099-K if you received payments through third-party platforms like Venmo.

Yet not all taxable income, including proceeds from renting out a vacation home, will be sent to you, per CNN.

If you have this kind of income, it is important to investigate how to report it by referring to a tax professional or doing research on the IRS website.

Anyone who made more than $12,950 if single or $25,900, if married, in 2022 will have to file a return with the IRS. If you have a doubt, check out this tool for more.

File Electronically

If you haven’t yet filed your taxes, there are various options available to you.

Approximately 70% of U.S. earners have incomes of $73,000 or less, per The Washington Post.

If you’re one of them, you can file simple returns for free online using the IRS Free File program.

For those making above $73,000, guess what? You can still use the IRS Free File fillable forms, per the IRS.

Only do so if you are comfortable doing your own taxes.

It is otherwise also possible to schedule an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center or use a professional tax service.

Find Out Your Credits or Deductions

The “standard deduction” is $12,950 for single taxpayers and $25,950 for married couples for the current tax year.

Decide whether you would prefer to claim the standard deduction or deduct other expenses, such as mortgage interest, per the WP.

Also, take a moment to consider what tax credits you might qualify for. Some common ones include the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit.

If you’re a university student, look into the American opportunity credit, which covers up to $2,500 on expenses related to higher education.

Another way to lower your tax bill is to make a tax-deductible contribution to an IRA. You have until Tax Day to contribute up to $6,000 to your IRA if you’re below the age of 50. The limit bumps up $1,000 more if you’re older, per CNN.

Set Up a Direct Deposit for Your Tax Refund

Having your refund deposited directly into your bank account is faster and safer than receiving a check in the mail, per the IRS. It is the preferred method of eight out of 10 tax filers.

You will be able to opt for a direct deposit either on tax software programs or on whatever tax form you are using.

Most individuals will fill out a 1040 form. The direct deposit option can be selected on line 35.

You’ll have to include your bank account number and routing number.

If you file your taxes electronically, you should receive your tax refund within three weeks. Allow for six months or more if you file by mail, per WP.

To monitor the status of your refund, you can check out the Where’s My Refund tool on the IRS website.

Pay Taxes Using Direct Pay

If you end up owing taxes, avoid fees by opting to pay directly from your bank account.

Information on how to do this can be found on the IRS website here.

You can also pay by credit or debit card, but you will be charged a processing fee.

These vary from $2.20 if using a debit card to between 1.87% and 1.98% if using a credit card.

File Even if You Cannot Pay

It is essential not to skip filing your tax return, even if you cannot afford to pay your taxes. There are penalties for filing late.

You’ll receive a notice in the mail if you owe on your taxes. This will also incur penalties and interest is charged on top of them each month until the sum is paid.

If you are a low-income earner and have a tax dispute with the IRS, check whether you qualify to receive help from low-income tax clinics.

In 2022, LITC advocates represented and advocated on the behalf of 20,358 taxpayers in tax court.

Act Quickly If You Want a Tax Extension

If you can’t manage to file before the deadline, ask for an extension by completing form 4868.

Submit it along with a payment for the estimated tax amount owed before the filing deadline to avoid a penalty.

Tax Day comes but once a year. Follow some of these tips and you might find yourself quickly forgetting about it and living peacefully until the next filing day.