OVERVIEW
Every year, many taxpayers wait until the last minute to file their federal income tax returns. Despite this tendency, there are many reasons to file your taxes early. If you will receive a refund, you may want to submit your return as quickly as possible. Additionally, there are benefits to filing early for those taxpayers who have a balance due.
1. Faster tax refunds
One of the most common reasons to file taxes early is to receive a faster tax refund. Filing your return electronically with direct deposit into your bank account is the fastest way to get your refund.
- It can take up to several weeks longer for paper returns, so it is always better to e-file a return if you want to receive your refund quickly.
The IRS is scheduled to begin accepting e-filed returns this year on January 23.
If you have a simple tax return, you may qualify to file for free with TurboTax Free Edition. See if you qualify.
2. Extra time to pay taxes you owe
If you owe a balance due to the IRS, you may still have a good reason to file your tax return as soon as you can. If you submit your return in the middle of January, you do not have to pay taxes you owe until the filing deadline. Preparing your Form 1040 early will give you time to arrange your payment. This extra time is particularly helpful to taxpayers who need to find out exactly how much they will owe the IRS.
3. Obtaining financial information
If you are expecting a big life change such as purchasing a house or returning to college, preparing your tax return early can help you obtain essential information. College students use the information from Form 1040 to apply for financial aid, while prospective homebuyers often have to show their completed tax return as proof of their household income. Getting your tax return done early—whether you owe money or expect a refund—gives you a head start on the paperwork you will need for these processes.
4. Avoiding a tax extension
Filing your tax return early may help eliminate the need to file an extension. Extensions of time are often required as a result of disorganization more than financial need. Some people who wait until the last minute to file their returns simply need time to look for additional deductions or gather receipts.
- Push the process too close to the filing deadline, and you increase the likelihood that you will need the assistance of a tax professional to help you sort your finances and complete your return.
- Even worse, if you file an extension but don't pay what you owe if you have a balance due, the IRS will charge you interest and penalties on the outstanding tax debt until it is paid in full.
- Preparing your tax return early in the year helps you avoid this situation.
5. Preventing tax return identity theft
Once someone gets access to your Social Security number, they have everything necessary to file a tax return in your name. The purpose of a fraudulent tax return is, obviously, not to pay your back taxes, but to pocket your tax refund. This scam occurs early in the tax season, well before most taxpayers file. Take every possible precaution to keep your SSN secret, and if possible, file your taxes early before someone else does.
Let an expert do your taxes for you, start to finish with TurboTax Live Full Service. Or you can get your taxes done right, with experts by your side with TurboTax Live Assisted. File your own taxes with confidence using TurboTax. Just answer simple questions, and we’ll guide you through filing your taxes with confidence. Whichever way you choose, get your maximum refund guaranteed.
