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You clicked submit. You exhaled. But filing is the start of the next chapter, not the end. Here’s what to do in the weeks after April 15 to protect your money and your peace of mind.
1. Track Your Refund the Smart Way
Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov/refunds or the IRS2Go app. E-filed returns with direct deposit typically arrive within 21 days. Don’t forget to track your NY state refund separately at tax.ny.gov, it runs on its own timeline.
If it’s been more than 21 days with no movement past “Received,” call the IRS refund hotline at 800-829-1954 or reach out to your tax professional.
2. If You Get an IRS Letter, Don’t Panic, But Don’t Ignore It
Most IRS letters are not audits. The most common one is a CP2000 notice, which means the IRS received income info (a 1099, W-2, etc.) that doesn’t match your return. It’s a proposal, not a bill.
Key rules:
- You have 30 days to respond
- Use the response form included with the notice, don’t reflexively file an amended return
- Ignoring it turns a proposal into a final assessment with penalties and interest
- The IRS contacts you by mail first. Anyone calling and demanding payment is a scammer
3. Found a Mistake? File Form 1040-X
You have up to 3 years to amend a return. Wait until your original return is processed before filing the amendment, and expect 16+ weeks for the IRS to work through it.
4. Keep Your Records (Here’s How Long)
- 3 years : standard rule for most returns
- 6 years : if you underreported income by more than 25%
- 7 years : for bad debt or worthless securities claims
- Keep property records as long as you own the asset, plus 3 years after sale
Scan receipts the week you get them. A shoebox is not a system.
5. Small Business Owners: Do This Now
- Your Q2 estimated tax is due June 16, 2026
- Reconcile your Q1 books while memories and vendors are still fresh
- Strengthen documentation for audit-prone deductions (home office, mileage, meals)
- Remember: the 1099-NEC threshold increased to $2,000 starting in 2026, collect W-9s before you pay any contractor
6. Smart Moves for the Rest of 2026
- If your refund or balance was way off, update your W-4 using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator
- Set up a separate savings account and auto-transfer 25–30% of self-employment income for taxes
- Schedule a mid-year tax check-in for August or September, when there’s still time to actually change the outcome
The Bottom Line
The taxpayers who never panic in April aren’t lucky. They treat April 16 through December 31 as tax season too.
Need help with an IRS notice, an amendment, or smarter planning for 2026? London’s Tax Services LLC, serving Westchester, Rockland & NYC for 20+ years. 📞 (646) 917-7714 | 📧 info@londonstaxservices.com Book a free 15-minute consultation at londonstaxservices.com
