January marks the start of tax season in the U.S. UU. It's time to organize documents, take advantage of credits and meet deadlines. Here's a simple guide, with official data and links, so you can get ahead and get your refund faster.

1) Gather your documents now

- W-2: sent by your employer; shows your salary and withheld taxes.

- 1099-NEC/1099-MISC: if you were self-employed or as a contractor (payments of $600 or more).

- 1099-INT/1099-DIV: bank interest and dividends.

- 1095-A: if you had health insurance from the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov).

- Receipts and statements: deductions, business expenses, child care, mortgage interest, donations, tuition, etc.

Important: Employers and payers must submit W-2 and 1099-NEC no later than January 31.

2) If you are self-employed, remember your estimated payment as of January 15

- The fourth estimated tax payment is due on January 15. If you don't pay enough during the year, you may face penalties. Adjust now to avoid additional charges.

3) Declare via e-file and choose direct deposit

- More than 90% of individual returns are already submitted electronically (e-file), which speeds up the process.

- The IRS issues 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days when you e-file and choose direct deposit. If you are looking for speed, this is the safest route.

4) Don't leave money on the table: check credits and deductions

- EITC (Earned Income Credit): helps workers with low and moderate incomes. About 1 in 5 eligible people don't claim it. If you have children or income from work, ask if you qualify.

- Child Credit (CTC) and Dependent Care Credit: they can lower your tax or increase your refund.

- Students and homeowners: educational credits and mortgage interest could help.

5) Business Owners: Birthday is January 31

- W-2 to your employees and Form W-3 to Social Security.

- 1099-NEC to contractors (and the IRS) for payments of $600 or more. Avoid fines for late shipments. If you have questions about who to send to, we can help you verify it.

6) Protect your identity with an IP PIN

- The IP PIN (Protection Identification Number) is a 6-digit code that prevents fraudulent statements with your information. It's free and you can request it from the IRS. Recommended if you have been a victim of identity theft or want an extra layer of security.

7) Schedule your appointment with La Familia Multiservices

- We guide you in Spanish, we validate that you claim all the credits, we submit them by e-file and we configure direct deposit.

- We serve employees, contractors, small businesses and families with ITIN.

- Book today at www.lafamiliamultiservices.com to secure your spot before February's peak dates.

Quick checklist for this weekend

- Ask your employer to confirm the submission of your W-2.

- Collect 1099, 1095-A and deductible expense receipts.

- If you are a contractor or business, prepare and validate 1099-NEC/W-2 before January 31.

- If you are self-employed, make your estimated payment on January 15.

- Create or review your IRS account and request an IP PIN if you wish.

- Schedule your tax preparation with our team.

Official data and sources

- More than 90% of individual returns are filed via e-file: IRS Data Book (historical trend). https://www.irs.gov/statistics/irs-data-book

- 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days (with e-file and direct deposit): IRS — Refunds. https://www.irs.gov/refunds

- Approximately 1 in 5 eligible people do not claim the EITC: IRS — EITC Participation Rate. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/earned-income-tax-credit/eitc-participation-rate

- Deadline January 31 for W-2: IRS — About Forms W‑2 and W‑3. https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-2-and-form-w-3

- Deadline January 31 for 1099-NEC: IRS — About Form 1099-NEC. https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1099-nec

- Estimated payments and dates (includes January 15): IRS - Estimated taxes. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/estimated-taxes

- IP PIN to protect your identity: IRS — Get an IP PIN. https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

Ready to get started? Contact us at www.lafamiliamultiservices.com. We make your taxes easy, fast and well done.

Note: This information is general in nature and may change. It does not constitute individual legal or tax advice. For personalized recommendations, schedule an appointment. Based on IRS guidelines and data available as of the date of publication.

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