Tax Questions Answered

Plain-English, sourced answers to the tax questions people search most: refund status, deadlines, extensions, filing thresholds, AGI, deductions, 1099-K and crypto.

Every day people ask the same practical tax questions: where is my refund, when are taxes due, do I have to file, should I itemize. This section answers them in plain English, one question per page, with the official IRS or state source next to each answer. New questions are added regularly, so check back or follow the feed.

Each answer is general information for a tax year it names. Tax rules, limits and deadlines change, so confirm the numbers on the official page linked at the bottom of each answer, and talk to a CPA before you act on your own situation.

Refunds

Where your refund is, how long it takes and why the amount changed.

October 24, 2026

Where Is My Tax Refund? How to Check Status and How Long It Takes

How to check refund status, what each stage means, typical timing and when to call the IRS.

Why Is My Tax Refund Different This Year? Common Reasons Explained

Why a refund can differ from your return: IRS corrections, offsets, credit holds, withholding and 2025 law changes.

Deadlines and filing season

Due dates, extensions and when the season opens.

October 24, 2026

When Are Taxes Due? Federal Tax Deadlines for 2026 and 2027

Federal and Illinois due dates for tax years 2025 and 2026: returns, extensions, estimated taxes and business filings.

When Does Tax Season Start in 2027? What Is Known and How to Prepare

What is known about the 2027 tax season start, Free File and Direct File, and how to prepare.

Do I have to file, and how

Filing thresholds and how the numbers on your return are built.

October 24, 2026

How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes?

The 2025 income levels that require a federal return, plus exceptions that apply at any income.

How to Calculate Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)

How to figure AGI on the 2025 Form 1040, the main adjustments and finding last year's AGI.

Deductions and credits

Itemizing, the standard deduction and new breaks for 2025 and later.

October 24, 2026

Who Gets the New $6,000 Senior Tax Break?

Who can claim the $6,000 deduction at 65 or older, its phase-out and how to claim it.

Gig, online and digital-asset income

1099-K, side income and crypto.

October 24, 2026

What Is the 1099-K Reporting Threshold?

The current 1099-K threshold, how it changed since 2021 and how to report online and gig income.

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