Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Smart Tax Moves Before April 15
Tax season is here – and the April 15th deadline is quickly approaching. It’s important to get your paperwork in order because filing on time not only avoids late fees and potential penalties, but it gets your refund into your hands sooner. For many people near the poverty line, that refund can be a crucial financial boost. It’s a chance to breathe a little easier, but also an opportunity to plan ahead. Building even a small cushion—$100, $200—can help cover emergencies or hold you over when life throws something unexpected your way.
If you’re expecting a refund, think carefully about how you receive it. Direct deposit is the safest, fastest, and cheapest way to get your money. Avoid check cashing places that promise “instant” refunds—those are usually loans with high fees or interest rates that eat into your return. That money is yours—don’t pay a middleman if you don’t have to. Also, take advantage of free filing services like IRS Free File or local volunteer tax prep programs (VITA). You don’t need to pay to file if your income is low.
If you’re not confident enough doing it yourself, there are a number of local tax preparers readily avaible to assist you. We would recommend Zap Tax Services in Reading, PA: a female & black-owned business conveniently located just on the other side of the Schuylkill:
Zap Tax Services
1219 Eckert Ave | Reading, PA 19602
(267) 261-9113 | zaptaxservices@gmail.com
Instagram for zaptaxservices
Once the relief of filing is over, this is a great time to think about your financial habits. Try to use your refund to pay down debt, catch up on bills, or set aside a small emergency fund. Financial literacy doesn’t mean being an expert—it means knowing what’s coming in, what’s going out, and making choices that protect your future. Even small steps can go a long way in giving you more control over your money and your life. For example: pay for a single streming service subscription instead of multiple, or get DVD’s from the library and cancel all the subscriptions saving you hundreds a year!
Dont worry, if you need more time to file your taxes, you still have options, but you do have to act fast. You can request an extension from the IRS, pushing the deadline back until October 15th. Find out more at the IRS website, by clicking here
At TruCare, we care about our clients and our caregivers. Whether you’re in the Reading, PA area (Spring township, Exeter township, Muhlenberg township, etc) or in Philly (Kensington, Mayfair, Summerdale) we want you to have the tools that you need to succeed.
From all of us here at TruCare Home Care, we wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous year!
