Make Tax Season Less Taxing

Important Tax Day Information (2025 Season)

When is Tax Day?

Most Americans have until April 15, 2025. 

Who can help me file my taxes?

 The answer to this question is a bit more complex. Filing taxes can be daunting, but the right filing software can make it easier! With online tax filing software, you can file your state and federal taxes quickly and accurately while maximizing your returns. Using an existing tax filing system streamlines the process and ensures you don't miss any opportunities for tax returns.

According to a CBS article, these are the best tax-preparing and filing services:

• Best overall tax software: Turbotax

• Runner-up: H&R Block 

• Best affordable tax software: TaxSlayer

• Best for accuracy guarantee: TaxAct

Best tax filing options

To file your taxes most efficiently, it’s best to use trustworthy tax software. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from, and, of course, we have tax day coupons to help you save even more. Don’t miss out on these software discounts to maximize your savings. Some tax software you’ll find promo codes for on our coupon site include the following:

• TurboTax

• H&R Block 

• TaxSlayer 

• TaxAct

• Jackson Hewitt

You can purchase these services directly on their website using one of our coupons to get a discounted price or check out offers from other retailers. Below you will find more stores where you can purchase and download tax software from.

Tax software from retailers

On the Best Buy, Staples, and Newegg websites, you can find both TurboTax and H&R Block software. You can purchase the physical version or download it digitally to your PC or Mac. The benefit of purchasing your software is the control it allows you over your filing; you can easily transfer your tax documents to the system, access your tax info whenever you need, and set your own pace. In the table, you will see the different discounted options you can purchase from Staples, Newegg, and Best Buy and directly compare so you can find the price that’s right for you. 

You can also find other brands of tax software on Staples, Newegg, and Best Buy. These options include:

• Sage Software 

• Quicken Inc. 

• Adams

Check out their websites for more information on plans and pricing. 

Tax Day freebies

Freebies are a great way to save during tax season! They can include specials from popular retailers, in addition to select services to help you with your tax prep. You will also find certain products discounted specifically for Tax Day. While we wait for the 2024 Tax Day freebies to be announced, check out these freebies you can score on Tax Day last year!

Check back here for updates on this year’s deals as we get closer to the tax deadline. 

Tax Day food deals

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of filing your taxes? Take a break to enjoy some Tax Day freebies! Freebies can include special treats, special meals, and offers from some of your favorite restaurants and coffee shops. Below are some of the available deals from last tax season that we hope to see again in 2024!

Savings guide and tax saving tips

We have already listed most of the savings on tax filing services above, and now we will list the pros and costs of every one of the platforms along with the best discount for each. 

Best H&R Block discount

Free online federal and state tax return filing for simple returns. Great for students, those claiming unemployed income, W-2 employees and those claiming child tax credits. Check out the File online, Free online page for more details and reviews.

Best TurboTax discount

Free edition filing of state and federal taxes on simple returns for $0. Ideals for W-2 income and to maximize tax credits for dependents. View the TurboTax free edition page for more details and reviews. 

Best TaxAct promo code

TaxAct free option includes free expert assistance and is perfect for primary federal filers.  

Best TaxSlayer discount

The TaxSlayer simply free package includes a federal and state return for $0. 

FAQ's - Frequently asked questions about tax season and tax preparers

Tax return FAQs

What is the purpose of Tax Day?

Tax Day marks the final deadline for filing your taxes. If you miss this deadline and do not file for an extension, you will have to pay IRS penalties, with interest, for each month late month. 

Why is filing your tax return important?

According to the IRS, filing your tax return offers these three benefits: 

1. Avoid accumulating interest on potential IRS penalties 

2. Avoid losing money on future refunds, as part of refunds is used to pay any back taxes due. 

3. Prevent a lack of payment from affecting your credit score

How are tax returns calculated?

Your tax return is calculated with a simple formula: money withheld for federal income tax – your annual federal income total. There are, of course, additional elements that impact your return total, but the formula is the foundation of the calculation.  

Can I trust tax return calculators?

Depending on which calculator you use, you can trust it to an extent. These calculators are entirely dependent on the information you provide them regarding your tax situation. Using the IRS or tax software provider calculator once you’ve submitted all of your supporting documents and information will yield the most accurate results. In fact, the IRS calculator is said to be accurate for 90% of taxpayers. However, if you use a calculator from a third party and provide it with minimal information, inaccuracy is likely. Keep in mind that they do not always take the additional calculation factors into account. You can use these to get a rough estimate of how much you will receive in your refund. 

Do tax returns count as income?

No, federal tax returns do not count as income. As long as you do not itemize the deductions of your refund, you do not need to report it as income on the following year’s taxes.

Does the tax return deadline ever get extended?

Tax Day, this year on April 15, is a hard deadline to file your taxes. This date changes from year to year but is always around mid-April. You can, however, file for an extension before Tax Day, which will allow you to file your taxes by October 16. 

How long does it take to receive a tax return?

If you file your taxes online, you will receive your refund within 21 calendar days. However, filing your taxes by mail can take six months or more to process.

Can a tax return be amended? 

Yes, if you need to make any changes to your tax return, you'll need to file an amended return. You'll need to file a form 1040-X, which you can find on your tax software's website. 

Why is my tax return taking so long to receive?

If you file by mail, your tax return will take much longer to get back. This is why we recommend using tax software. You should receive it much more quickly, as you can ensure that everything is filled out correctly and submitted to the IRS in a timely manner. 

Why is my tax return so low? 

For those who received stimulus payments that were given out during COVID, tax returns in 2022 were much lower. This may continue in 2025 as well.