Core Insights - The tax season is currently active, with a filing deadline of April 15, and taxpayers are encouraged to organize their documents early to avoid last-minute stress [1] Group 1: Tax Changes and Deductions - New deductions include no tax on qualified tips, no tax on overtime, deductions for car loan interest, and additional deductions for individuals aged 65 or older [2][5] - The average tax refund last year was $3,167, with projections indicating it could increase by $1,000 this year due to tax law changes [2] - The standard deduction has increased to $15,750 for single taxpayers, $31,500 for married couples filing jointly, and $23,625 for heads of households [5] - The SALT deduction cap has increased from $10,000 to $40,000, benefiting taxpayers in high state income tax areas [5][7] Group 2: Tax Preparation Resources - Taxpayers can utilize free resources such as IRS Free File for guided tax preparation for those earning $89,000 or less [11] - The IRS offers two programs for free tax help: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for low-income individuals and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) for seniors [12] Group 3: Common Mistakes and Best Practices - Taxpayers are advised to double-check their Social Security information and ensure all income is reported accurately to avoid audits [13][15] - It is recommended to keep copies of tax returns for five to seven years for potential audits [22] - Taxpayers should be cautious of tax scams, especially during tax season, and verify the legitimacy of tax preparers [20]