As tax season approaches, many individuals are either dreading the complicated process of filing or eagerly anticipating the arrival of their refund. Beyond the routine of tax season, receiving your refund each year can provide an opportunity to make strategic decisions that can positively impact your financial future. It can be tempting to spend your refund right away, but if you want to make the most of it, there are steps you should consider that allow your money to grow, earn dividends, and jumpstart your savings journey. 

The deadline for filing your taxes is right around the corner, so make sure you are ready by April 15, 2026. Don’t stress if you’ve been putting off doing your taxes or don’t even know where to start. Whether you’re filing taxes for the first time or have years of experience, keep these points in mind as you prepare.

Tax season is upon us again. Whether it’s your first time filing or you’re trying to get a head start this year, we have some tips to help you file your taxes safely.

Now that tax time is here, it is important to be aware of possible tax fraud and tax-related identity theft. Identity theft happens when an individual’s Social Security Number and other personal identification information has been stolen. In the case of tax fraud, the information is used to file a false tax return resulting in the tax refund being sent to the fraudster. There are some steps to take to reduce your risk.