Whidden's Tax Service - Jackson

05/21/2026

Have you received mail from the IRS? Don’t toss it
Some taxpayers may get mail from the IRS. It’s important that any mail you receive is opened and read carefully.
Most letters or notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice will outline the specific issue and include steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request, or a specific issue on a tax return or credit.
Review the information. If the mail is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they disagree with the information, if the IRS has asked for additional information, or if there’s a balance due.
Take any requested action. This may include making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to assist taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.
Reply only if needed. Taxpayers don't need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. If a taxpayer needs to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.
Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer disagrees with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute the action being taken. The taxpayer must respond with the complete information and documents requested by the IRS for review when considering the dispute.
Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS for three years from the date the tax return was filed. These include adjustment notices.
Watch for scams.
The IRS will never contact a taxpayer using social media. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail.

04/20/2026

04/16/2026

Actions taxpayers should take if they missed the April 15th filing and payment deadline
Taxpayers who missed the April 15 filing deadline should submit their federal tax return as soon as possible. Those who missed the deadline to file and owe taxes should file as soon as possible to avoid penalties and interest.
Requesting an extension allows for additional time to file. The extension does not allow additional time to pay taxes owed. Interest and penalties will continue to accrue on the owed taxes until the balance is paid in full.
If a taxpayer can't afford to pay the full amount of taxes owed, they should still file a tax return and pay as much as possible. The IRS offers options for taxpayers who need help paying their tax bill. For more information, visit the Penalties page on IRS.gov.
Taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief if they have filed and paid their taxes on time for the past three years and meet other important requirements. For more information, see the Administrative Penalty Relief page on IRS.gov.
Individuals can pay taxes owed securely through IRS Online Account, IRS Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, or by debit or credit card or digital wallet. Taxpayers may also apply online for a payment plan, including installment agreements.
Those who pay electronically get immediate confirmation after submitting payment. IRS Direct Pay and the EFTPS allow taxpayers to receive payment email notifications. You can find additional payment information on the Make a Payment page on IRS.gov.
If the IRS owes the taxpayer a refund, there will be no penalty for filing after April 15th. Taxpayers who choose not to file a tax return because they don't earn enough to meet the filing requirement may miss out on receiving a refund due to potential refundable tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit.
Choose a trusted tax professional
Taxpayers who have yet to file a tax return might consider help from a tax preparer. The IRS provides resources if they need someone to prepare a tax return. The Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications can help taxpayers find tax return preparers with professional certifications recognized by the IRS. You may also find professionals who have completed the IRS requirements for the Annual Filing Season Program.

04/16/2026

Yep, that sums it up!

04/14/2026

Our office in Jackson will be closed April 23rd and 24th.

04/14/2026

Options for taxpayers who need help paying their tax bill
The filing and payment deadline for most 2025 federal tax returns is April 15, 2026. There are exceptions for taxpayers in a disaster area, combat zone or living and working abroad. Taxpayers who can’t pay their tax bill by the deadline shouldn't panic – the IRS offers a variety of options to help taxpayers meet their obligations.
Those struggling to meet their tax obligation may consider several options to resolve their tax bill. The Tax Debt Help tool on IRS.gov provides individuals and businesses with a simple, accessible way to explore payment options and identify next steps based on their situation. These options include:
Online payment plans
Most individual taxpayers qualify for an online payment plan. The quickest and easiest way to set up a payment plan is through the online payment agreement, available on IRS.gov. Setup fees may apply.
• Short-term payment plan – The total balance owed is less than $100,000 in combined tax, penalties and interest. This gives a taxpayer up to 180 days to pay their balance in full.
• Long-term payment plan – Also known as a simple plan or installment agreement. This option is available online and to individual taxpayers that owe $50,000 or less in combined tax, penalties and interest. Most taxpayers have up to 10 years to pay off their balance, but the longer the term on the payment plan, the more interest, penalties and fees will add up. Payments may be made using direct debit (automatic bank withdrawal). This eliminates the need to send in a payment each month, saves postage costs and reduces the chance of default.
Once the online application is complete, the taxpayer is notified immediately whether their plan is approved. There’s no paperwork and no need to call, write or visit the IRS.

04/02/2026

The tax filing season is coming to an end in a couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean scammers and schemers take a break. Be mindful of:
Ghost preparers
Taxpayers should choose their tax professional wisely. Paid preparers must sign and include a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number on every tax return. A “ghost” preparer prepares a return but refuses to sign it and/or refuses to include a PTIN. These unlicensed or unethical tax return preparers should be avoided. When a preparer refuses to sign or provide a PTIN, that is a major red flag; the taxpayer is legally responsible for everything filed on their tax return. Taxpayers should never sign a blank or incomplete return.
Ghost preparers also often exploit credits by promising large refunds. These preparers may:
• Exaggerate eligibility for deductions
• Claim credits that taxpayers do not qualify for
• Disappear after filing, leaving the taxpayer responsible for penalties, interest, or audits
If a paid preparer filed a fraudulent tax return without consent, or if they followed improper tax preparation practices, a complaint may be lodged about this tax practitioner.
Phony “Self-Employment Tax Credit”
Another one from the Dirty Dozen is misleading information being shared about a “self-employment tax credit,” which can result in an inaccurate filing. Many taxpayers do not qualify for these credits, and the IRS is closely reviewing claims being transmitted with this provision. Taxpayers filing claims do so at their own risk. Be informed about any tax credits and eligibility requirements before claiming them. The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help taxpayers decide if they're eligible for many popular tax credits and deductions.
Taxpayers are reminded to rely on trusted sources and qualified tax professionals. Be wary of misleading and poor advice on social media. People may confidentially report suspected tax fraud, scams, identity theft, or other tax-related wrongdoing at IRS.gov/submitatip.