Tax Day is quickly approaching, and if you owe the government a chunk of change it may not be your favorite time of year. On top of that, there’s a host of new deductions this year and a whole lot of documentation to keep track of. Simply put, it can get confusing.
Around 90,000 Tulsa households could file for free, but many don’t take advantage, according to Tulsa Responds, a nonprofit organization that provides free tax filing services.
Additionally, some families could get money back from refunds if they file by this year’s deadline. Taxpayers typically have three years to claim refunds.
The IRS estimates about 19,000 Oklahomans have unclaimed refunds from 2022, with a median refund of $672.
“Anyone who may still be owed a refund from 2022 should take action as soon as possible,” Tulsa Responds said.
Here’s what you need to know ahead of Tax Day.
Key dates and deadlines
The deadline to file and pay your taxes is Wednesday, April 15. If you need more time, you can request an extension and have until Oct. 15, 2026.
There are several organizations around Tulsa offering free tax filing services, but they also have deadlines and you must qualify. Tulsa Responds is accepting appointments until April 15. The last day for tax help at LIFE Senior Services is April 14. AARP also has on-site aides available until April 15.
How to qualify and where to file for free
Many free tax filing services are limited by income. If your adjusted gross income, or your total income minus certain deductions, is $89,000 or less, you can use one of the free IRS-backed online websites.
If your household income is around $69,000 or less, you have a disability or you speak limited English, you can file taxes with Tulsa Responds. Be sure to bring this list of items with you, including a valid photo identification and Social Security number. As of March 16, Tulsa Responds had served 2,165 clients for tax preparation.
LIFE Senior Services has free tax help available for seniors 60 years and older making a combined income of $69,000 or less. AARP also offers tax help for seniors.
If you feel comfortable doing the work yourself, you can use the IRS fillable forms option. There’s no income requirement, but you will have to do your own calculations.
You can also hire a certified public accountant. The IRS tracks CPAs based on location. Use their tool to search for one near you.
Writeoffs and deductions
Thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed last year, you can now deduct tips and part of your overtime, among other things. Seniors aged 65 and older can deduct up to $6,000 if they make less than $75,000 per year.
Tulsa Responds says Tulsans should be aware of a couple key changes. Families with children born in 2025 can open 530A accounts, also known as Trump Accounts, and get an initial $1,000 government contribution. To get the tips and overtime deductions, taxpayers should bring final or year-end pay stubs since it may not be complete on your W-2 because the law didn’t pass until halfway through the year.
Additionally, there’s been confusion about “no tax on Social Security,” according to Tulsa Responds. It’s a deduction and not a refundable credit, which means it doesn’t give you a direct refund.
Find a complete list of changes to your taxes here.
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