https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/Short, sourced answers to common tax questions from a CPA firm in Aurora, Illinois.en-usSat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/where-is-my-refund/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/where-is-my-refund/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000RefundsCheck a federal refund with the IRS tool and an Illinois refund with the state tool. What you need, what the three stages mean, and when it is time to call.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/why-is-my-refund-different-this-year/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/why-is-my-refund-different-this-year/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000RefundsA refund can change for ordinary reasons: an IRS correction, an offset for a debt, a credit review, new withholding or 2025 law changes. How to tell which.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-long-does-a-tax-refund-take/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-long-does-a-tax-refund-take/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000RefundsThe IRS says most e-filed returns with direct deposit are refunded in under 21 days. Paper, amended and reviewed returns take longer. Timing by return type.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/when-are-taxes-due/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/when-are-taxes-due/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000DeadlinesFederal and Illinois due dates for 2025 and 2026 returns, estimated tax and common forms. The 2027 dates are our own math until IRS publishes its calendar.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-to-file-a-tax-extension/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-to-file-a-tax-extension/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000DeadlinesPay online and mark it as an extension, e-file Form 4868, or mail it by the due date. You get six more months to file, not to pay. Steps, penalties, Illinois.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/when-does-tax-season-start/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/when-does-tax-season-start/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000DeadlinesThe 2026 filing season opened January 26, 2026. The 2027 date is not announced as of October 2026. Recent opening dates, free filing options, how to prepare.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-much-do-you-have-to-make-to-file-taxes/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-much-do-you-have-to-make-to-file-taxes/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000FilingFiling thresholds for tax year 2025 by filing status and age, when you must file at any income, and why filing can pay off. Includes dependents and Illinois.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-to-calculate-adjusted-gross-income-agi/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-to-calculate-adjusted-gross-income-agi/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000IncomeAGI is total income minus adjustments like student loan interest, HSA and half of self-employment tax. Steps for 2025, an invented example, last year's AGI.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/should-i-itemize-or-take-the-standard-deduction/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/should-i-itemize-or-take-the-standard-deduction/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000DeductionsTake the larger of the two. Standard deduction amounts for 2025 and 2026, what goes on Schedule A, the SALT cap, an invented example, a new 2026 charity rule.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/who-gets-the-new-6000-senior-tax-break/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/who-gets-the-new-6000-senior-tax-break/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000DeductionsA deduction of up to $6,000 per person aged 65 or older, for 2025 to 2028, phased out at higher incomes. Who qualifies, how it works, and common mix-ups.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/what-is-the-1099-k-threshold/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/what-is-the-1099-k-threshold/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000IncomePayment apps and marketplaces file Form 1099-K only above $20,000 and 200 transactions. The 2025 law reversed the $600 rule. How to report income either way.https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-are-crypto-and-digital-assets-taxed/https://smalltax.com/tax-questions/how-are-crypto-and-digital-assets-taxed/Sat, 24 Oct 2026 12:00:00 +0000IncomeDigital assets are property: sales and swaps create gains or losses, while staking and pay are income. What Form 1099-DA reports and what to keep for taxes.