Let’s face it — taxes still aren’t fun. Still groan-worthy. If you are preparing to file your 2025 taxes (you will file a return in 2026), the process may seem familiar, but there are a few updates and reminders that may be helpful prior to starting.
Whether you’re filing on your own or getting professional help, understanding the basics can make tax season far less stressful.
You can’t walk into a Skyla branch to file your taxes like you would at a tax prep office, but we can help you understand what to expect and how to prepare.
Tax Day is April 15, 2026, and I'll outline what you need to know
Here are the most common terms you’ll see while filing.
here's a quick and dirty of what we'll cover:
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tax glossary
(the stuff many pretend to understand)
Let’s face it… the amount of tax jargon thrown around can be overwhelming! So before you get started filing, here's a short list of terms you’ll want to know.
Tax Credit
Tax Deduction
Tax Exemption
Dependents
Standard Deduction
Itemized Deduction
If you want to take an even deeper dive into taxes, check out the IRS’s complete tax glossary here.
when are 2025 taxes due?
Tax Day for the year 2025 is Wednesday, April 15th, 2026. If you’re planning on mailing your taxes in, they must be postmarked by that date to not be considered late.
If you don’t think you’ll be able to meet that deadline, you can request an extension by filing Form 4868. Remember, this only extends your filing deadline—not your payment deadline. To file an extension, visit the IRS’s website here.
can i file my own 2025 taxes?
The short answer? Yes, you can absolutely file your own taxes. However, as your life changes, so will your tax situation (think – growing your family, changing jobs, buying a new house or car, investing, etc).
If you can answer “yes” to these questions, chances are you’ll be able to file yourself. The IRS even offers free e-filing for simple returns. If you couldn’t answer a simple yes, it would probably be smart to get help when filing. The last thing you want to do is file your taxes incorrectly and have the IRS after you!
- You’re a numbers person
- You’ve kept the same job
- You don’t have any dependents
- You don’t own property
- You don’t have complex investments
- You understand tax laws
Want to know how to file your own taxes? I have just the thing.
Don’t forget about state taxes
when do i get my refund?
If you’ve filed your taxes and are getting a refund, the IRS typically processes returns within 21 days of filing, but there are no guarantees.
You can always check on the status of your refund on the IRS website (you’ll need your Social Security Number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount). You can check-in as early as 24-hours after filing.
QUICK TIP: It might be tempting to use your tax return to splurge on a vacation or buy something cool, but putting that unexpected bonus towards debts (like credit card or car payments or student loans) or using it to jump-start an emergency fund or savings account will reward you in the long run. |
how do I make sure I get my refund?
why didn’t i get a refund?
I started asking ChatGPT this question because, without fail, I always end up having to pay more taxes. Meanwhile, everyone else gets a fat check of a tax return. If you’re not getting a return because you came out even or owe more on taxes, it’s likely because:
- Your withholdings throughout the year were perfect! This means you don’t owe anything, but you also don’t receive anything. Realistically, this is what everyone should aim for and you won the tax game. (bravo!)
- You earned extra income: This could include any property you own or stocks and bonds you may have invested in and made money on. If you do have extra income, you’ll likely owe more money in taxes. Since I am a homeowner and have some investments in the stock market, I fall into this category.
- You have outstanding taxes or other debts owed: If you’ve failed to pay any of your taxes in the past, have debt from federal student loans, are overdue on child support, or have state income tax liabilities, the IRS may choose to use your Tax Return to put towards your debts instead.
are there any scams i should know about?
The IRS releases what they call the “Dirty Dozen” each year with the top 12 scams they find. They release a new scam daily, so you can stay up to date with the 2025 lists by checking out the IRS website.
QUICK TIP: The IRS will always contact you via mail before ever trying to reach you over the phone. If someone calls you claiming to be from the IRS and you are not aware they were trying to contact you, ask the caller to provide their name and badge number, then call them back using the main IRS number: 1-800-366-4484. |
want help spotting tax scams?
Learn how to recognize IRS imposters, avoid phishing attempts, and protect your tax refund with practical, real-world tips.
ready to file? 
As you prepare your documents, keep this blog article close in case you need help filing your taxes. The important thing to remember is everyone has to file their taxes, so sometimes your friends and family are great resources and can point you to where they found help. If you're looking for more info on how to file your own taxes or where to seek professional help, here's what'll help.
made a mistake? it happens
If you realize you made an error on your tax return, don’t panic. Many common mistakes, like missing a form or entering the wrong number, can be corrected by filing an amended return. The IRS allows taxpayers to fix errors, and honest mistakes don’t automatically mean penalties or audits.
Keeping copies of your tax return and supporting documents for at least three years can also make corrections easier if questions come up later.
Here’s to a smoother, less stressful tax season!😃
