March is the heart of tax season in the United States. If you file on time and with a good strategy, you can reduce errors, accelerate your refund and avoid fines. Here I explain, in simple words, what to do right now to take advantage of this season, with real data and official sources.

Fast facts that matter

- More than 90% of returns are filed electronically, helping to receive refunds faster. Source: IRS.

- The average reimbursement is around $3,000 in a typical recent season. Source: IRS.

- 8 out of 10 taxpayers receive their refund by direct deposit, the fastest and most secure way. Source: IRS.

- Every year, nearly 25 million workers and families claim the Earned Income Credit (EITC), but many eligible people still don't take advantage of it. Source: IRS.

7 steps to get the most out of this season

1) File electronically and use direct deposit

- Why: E-file + direct deposit usually delivers the refund in less time than paper.

- How: Use a reliable preparer or authorized software. Choose “direct deposit” and verify that your account number and bank routing are correct.

2) Review key credits (they can increase or create your refund)

- EITC (Earned Income Credit): Applies to workers with low to moderate incomes. Even if you don't owe taxes, you could still receive money. “Credit” means it lowers your tax dollar for dollar and, if it's refundable, it can give you cash.

- Child Tax Credit (CTC): You can reduce taxes for each qualifying child. Note: The rules change each year; check to see if your children qualify.

- Saver's Credit: For those who contribute to a retirement plan (IRA/401 (k)) with modest incomes.

- Educational Credits (American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning): For students or parents who pay for college or eligible courses.

3) If you are self-employed or on platforms (gig), sort your income and expenses

- What to collect: Forms 1099-NEC or 1099-K (if applicable), app reports (rideshare, sales), and expense receipts (mileage, phone, supplies).

- Tip: Distinguish “gross income” from “net profit” (income minus expenses). This affects the self-employment tax and potential credits.

4) Don't forget simple deductions

- Student loan interest (if you paid and qualify).

- Contributions to retirement accounts (traditional IRAs) before the filing deadline, if you're eligible.

- Medical and charitable expenses (if you itemize deductions, instead of using the standard deduction).

5) If you file with ITIN, review your opportunities

- People with ITIN can receive refunds and, in some cases, credits. For example, the CTC may apply if the child qualifies and has a valid SSN, even if the parent has an ITIN. Check rules for the year.

- Keep your details up to date and keep a copy of your ITIN assignment letter.

6) Avoid errors that delay refunds

- Social Security/ITIN names and numbers exactly as on official documents.

- Report all income (W-2 salaries, 1099-INT interest, 1099-NEC/1099-K platforms). Ignoring them causes warnings and adjustments.

- Signature and date (if you present on paper); if it's electronic, check your PIN/identity setting.

7) Adjust your withholding for the rest of 2026

- Use the IRS “Withholding Estimator” so you don't miss or overwithhold for the rest of the year. An adjustment to your W-4 can avoid surprises in 2027.

Quick glossary (in simple words)

- E-file: Submit your return online to the IRS.

- Direct deposit: Get your refund to your bank, faster than a check.

- Tax credit: Direct discount to your taxes; if it's “refundable”, it can give you money even if you don't owe it.

- Deduction: Reduce the income on which taxes are calculated.

- ITIN: Personal Taxpayer Identification Number, for people who must declare but do not have SSN.

- 1099-NEC/1099-K: Forms that report income from independent work or payments for platforms/apps.

How La Familia Multiservices helps you

- We check if you qualify for EITC, CTC and other credits.

- We optimize your return with e-file and direct deposit to expedite your refund.

- We sort your income from self-employment and platforms, and guide you to legitimate deductions.

- We help you plan for 2026: withholding, estimated payments and simple strategies to legally pay less.

Schedule your appointment today at www.lafamiliamultiservices.com and arrive at the deadline with peace of mind.

Sources and references

- IRS — Filing Season Statistics: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/filing-season-statistics

- IRS — EITC (Earned Income Credit): https://www.irs.gov/es/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit-eitc

- IRS — Direct Deposit for Refunds: https://www.irs.gov/refunds/direct-deposit

- IRS — Electronic Filing (e-file): https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options

- IRS — Withholding Estimator: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

Note: The laws and amounts of credits/deductions may change each year. This guide is informative as of March 2026 and is based on recent official sources. For an analysis of your case, schedule a consultation with a professional.

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