Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Tammy Marchman, Financial Plannerand Real Estate professional  

April 16, 2025

Tax Day 2024 has officially come and gone. If you’re breathing a sigh of relief, you’re not alone! But before you completely shift gears, there are a few important things to consider—especially if you filed at the last minute, requested an extension, or didn’t file at all.

1. If You Filed On Time:

Congratulations! Now is a great time to review your return and confirm everything was submitted correctly. If you’re due a refund, keep an eye on the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to track the status. Most refunds are processed within 21 days, but delays can happen if there are errors or identity verification issues.

2. If You Filed an Extension:

Filing an extension gives you until October 15, 2024 to file your return—but not to pay your taxes. If you owe taxes and didn’t pay by April 15, you may face interest and penalties. Use this extra time wisely to gather documents, maximize deductions, and consult with a tax professional if needed.

3. If You Didn’t File at All:

It’s not too late to act. File as soon as possible to minimize penalties. If you’re owed a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late—but if you owe, the longer you wait, the more it will cost. Consider reaching out to a tax professional to get back on track.

4. Plan Ahead for Next Year:

This is the perfect time to take proactive steps for next year’s filing season. Review your current withholdings, organize your records, and identify any changes in income, deductions, or credits that could affect your 2024 taxes. Consider setting up a tax planning session to align your finances and reduce surprises down the road.

5. Final Tip:

If tax season was stressful, now’s the time to change that. With proper planning and support, next year’s process can be smoother, faster, and maybe even more rewarding.