Tax Day is next week: avoid five common filing mistakes.

Tax Day is April 15, 2026, and the article outlines five common filing mistakes that can trigger delays, IRS notices or added costs, including wrong filing status, missed credits, payment and timing issues, and incorrect banking details.

Tax Day is April 15, 2026, and the article reviews routine mistakes that can increase costs or cause processing delays as the deadline approaches. It notes comments from experts, including Bill Sweeney of AARP and former IRS official Mike Faulkender. The piece highlights how recent tax-code changes and common filing choices complicate returns for some taxpayers. The focus is on factual issues that have led to IRS notices or penalties in past filing seasons. Key points: - Choosing the wrong filing status can change tax rates, standard deductions and eligibility for credits, and incorrect claims can lead to later adjustments, penalties and interest. - Failing to claim credits or deductions available under current law can reduce refunds or raise tax bills; the article notes recent tax-code changes that make last year’s return an unreliable template. - Filing for an extension does not extend the deadline to pay; the article states the payment deadline is April 15, 2026, and experts said estimating and paying by then limits added costs. - Incorrect routing or account numbers for direct deposit or debit can delay refunds or result in rejected payments and possible penalties. - Submitting a return before receiving all W-2s or 1099s can cause missing income on the return and may lead to amendments; the article notes that an IRS.gov account can show what has been filed under a taxpayer ID. Summary: The article reports that the April 15, 2026 deadline is approaching and that these common errors have tangible consequences such as delays, notices or additional charges. Undetermined at this time.