Tax Deadline Looms as Experts Warn Against Last-Minute Filing

Even with extensions, taxpayers should get a head start on preparing returns

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:22pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of the inner workings of a calculator, with its gears, circuits, and other mechanical components filling the frame, conceptually representing the complex systems and processes involved in tax preparation and filing.As the tax deadline approaches, the intricate financial machinery behind filing returns comes into sharp focus.Hartford Today

With the April 15 tax filing deadline quickly approaching, financial experts are urging people not to wait until the last minute to prepare their returns. While extensions are available, they still require some upfront work, and late filers face potential penalties from the IRS.

Why it matters

The annual tax deadline is a critical financial milestone for individuals and families. Waiting until the last minute can lead to mistakes, missed deductions, and penalties that create additional stress and financial burdens. Encouraging early preparation helps ensure taxpayers maximize their refunds and avoid issues with the IRS.

The details

Tax professionals at JAH Financial Services & Real Estate LLC in Hartford, Connecticut are already seeing an influx of last-minute filers this year. They caution that rushing to meet the deadline often results in overlooked income sources, unclaimed credits and deductions, and other errors. Even those who file for an extension must still estimate and pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties.

  • The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026.
  • Extensions provide an additional 6 months to file, but taxes owed must still be paid by the original deadline.

The players

Josette Wilson

CEO of JAH Financial Services & Real Estate LLC.

Dean Wilson

Director at JAH Financial Services & Real Estate LLC.

Shaquana Cochran

A taxpayer who hasn't filed her returns yet.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We find that when you're rushing, you don't have everything together. Some people work like four or five jobs, and forget one of them.”

— Dean Wilson, Director, JAH Financial Services & Real Estate LLC

“Extension works best for people who are going to owe. If you're not going to owe, you still need to file an extension, but it's best for people who know they're going to owe.”

— Shaquana Cochran

“What I advise is you still file your taxes, but what happens if you owe the IRS is you will get slapped with a penalty, so that is why we advise our clients never be late.”

— Dean Wilson, Director, JAH Financial Services & Real Estate LLC

What’s next

Taxpayers who haven't filed yet should contact a tax professional as soon as possible to ensure they meet the April 15 deadline or properly file for an extension.

The takeaway

The annual tax filing deadline is a critical financial milestone, and experts warn that waiting until the last minute can lead to mistakes, missed deductions, and penalties. Early preparation is key to maximizing refunds and avoiding issues with the IRS.