Extension filers don’t have to wait until Oct. 15, 2026, to file their federal tax return. Taxpayers are encouraged not to wait and to take steps to help them prepare an accurate return. Let’s go over a few tips to make completing the return quick and easy.

Gather and review tax documents:

Complete and accurate records can reduce errors and delays. Individual taxpayers can access their IRS Individual Online Account to view account information and transcripts, make payments, and manage communication preferences. Using a tax professional can help taxpayers determine their eligibility for many valuable tax credits.

Know what to look for, if choosing a tax pro:

Some may choose to use a tax professional to complete and file their return.

A reputable preparer will ask multiple questions to determine whether expenses, deductions and other items qualify and remind clients that they need to keep careful and complete records in order to confirm the information contained on their tax return.Check to see if the preparer belongs to a professional organization that requires its members to pursue continuing education and also holds them accountable to a code of ethics.Check to see if the preparer has a proper Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which has been required to file federal tax returns since 2011.Ask others that you know who have used that preparer and if they were satisfied with the services they received.Find a preparer who will be around to answer questions after the return has been filed and responds to their clients in a reasonable amount of time.

Don’t wait until the last minute:

The extension to file is not an extension to pay. The deadline for extension filers is Oct. 15, 2026. Taxpayers should file electronically and choose direct deposit for their tax refund – it’s the fastest and safest way to receive their money. Taxpayers in disaster areas may have more time to file. Information on the most recent tax relief for disaster situations is available on the IRS website.

Payment options:

Those who owe taxes and can’t pay their balance in full should pay as much as they can to reduce interest and penalties for late payment. The IRS has options for people who can’t pay their taxes, including applying for a payment plan on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can view payment options or check their account balances online