INTERNACIONAL
Tax Day is this week: Avoid these 5 common mistakes that can cost you money
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
With Tax Day arriving this week, millions of filers are rushing to submit returns—often increasing the chances of simple but costly mistakes. Even minor errors, like incorrect personal details or overlooked income, can delay refunds, trigger IRS notices, or lead to penalties that take time and money to fix.
The good news is that most of these issues are entirely avoidable with both extra attention and preparation.
Here are five common filing missteps to watch out for and how to avoid them:
1. Selecting the wrong filing status
A couple going over tax paperwork. (iStock)
Your filing status is one of the most important choices on your tax return because it helps determine your tax rate, your standard deduction and which credits you may be eligible to claim. Pick the wrong one, and you could end up paying more than you owe, getting a smaller refund or triggering delays if the IRS flags the return for review.
For many taxpayers, the confusion comes from life changes that happened during the year, like getting married or divorced, having a child, moving in with a partner, supporting an aging parent or sharing custody. Even if your situation feels straightforward, the IRS rules can be less intuitive, especially for taxpayers who aren’t sure whether they qualify as «head of household» or whether they can still file as a «qualifying surviving spouse» after a spouse has died.
BEWARE OF THESE TAX SCAMS AS THE FILING DEADLINE APPROACHES, CONGRESS WARNS
Head of household, in particular, can be costly to get wrong. It typically comes with a larger standard deduction and more favorable tax brackets than filing as single, but it has strict requirements tied to paying more than half the cost of keeping up a home and having a qualifying dependent. If you don’t meet the rules and claim it anyway, you may have to pay back tax benefits later, plus penalties and interest.
When in doubt, the IRS has an online filing-status tool, and many tax software programs will walk you through the questions to help you choose the right category.
2. Missing key deadlines
Experts say filing taxes early can protect your money and your identity. (Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images)
An extension can buy you time to file your paperwork, but it doesn’t give you extra time to pay. For most taxpayers, the IRS deadline to pay what you owe is April 15, 2026 — even if you request an extension to file later.
«Remember that even if you claim an extension, the money is owed on April 15,» said Mike Faulkender, co-chair of American Prosperity at the America First Policy Institute.
RETIRED? HERE’S WHEN THE IRS MIGHT TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT YOUR FINANCES
Faulkender, a former Treasury official and IRS commissioner, said taxpayers who need more time should still estimate their bill and pay by the filing deadline to help avoid added costs.
«You have to actually send in a check or have the payment deducted from your account by the filing deadline,» he said.
If you can’t pay in full by April 15, pay what you can to help limit penalties and interest that accrue on top of your tax bill.
3. Leaving credits on the table
A woman preparing her tax paperwork. (iStock)
One of the biggest and most expensive tax-season mistakes is failing to claim every credit or deduction you qualify for. That can mean a smaller refund or a higher bill.
«I think the top mistake people make is not fully understanding or taking the time to really research what are all the different deductions and the ways that you can put a little bit of extra money in your pocket that are available to you,» said Bill Sweeney, senior vice president of government affairs at AARP.
WHAT TRUMP’S NEXT PICK TO LEAD THE FEDERAL RESERVE MEANS FOR YOUR WALLET
Sweeney also warned taxpayers not to rely on last year’s return as a blueprint for filing because of recent changes to the tax code from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
«This would be a good year, given that there are these changes to the tax code, to make sure not to assume that what you did last year will convey over to this year. Really take a fresh look at your tax situation and see if there’s money that you’re leaving on the table,» he said.
4. Filing before all your tax forms arrive
A sign for the Internal Revenue Service outside its building on Feb. 13, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)
Timing matters when it comes to filing your taxes. Submitting your return before you’ve received all your key paperwork, like W-2s or 1099s, can lead to errors, missing income or a return you have to amend later.
Faulkender said there’s a simple way to double-check what’s been reported under your name before you file.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«One of the things that I learned last year when I was IRS commissioner was that if you create an account on irs.gov, you can see everything that’s been filed under your tax ID,» he said.
«We’re supposed to receive all of our W-2s and our 1099 forms in the mail in January and February. But if you’re missing one, or you misplaced it, rather than requesting it again, you can actually go and see what was filed under your taxpayer identification number if you create an account on IRS.gov.»
5. Entering bank account details incorrectly
If you choose direct deposit for your refund, the IRS relies on the routing and account numbers you provide. One wrong digit can lead to delays.
If you pay what you owe by direct debit, incorrect banking details can also lead to a rejected payment and potentially result in penalties and interest.
Filing late can also cost you extra money, especially if you owe. The goal is to wait until you have what you need, then file as soon as you’re ready, without rushing prematurely.
taxes, economy, politics, congress
INTERNACIONAL
California mayor’s hot mic catches candid exchange after audience sends meeting off rails
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A live microphone exposed a behind-the-scenes conversation between Sacramento’s mayor and vice mayor as they discussed whether disruptive protesters could be barred from future city council meetings after a heated immigration-related debate descended into chaos.
«We should go over this disruptions thing, because if we want to ban somebody in the future, like to take them out, we have to point out specifically…» Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes is heard saying.
«I know, but the city attorney said we can’t do that,» Mayor Kevin McCarty replied.
«We did it last time,» Talamantes responded.
GOP SENATORS RALLY AROUND NEW DHS PROPOSAL TARGETING SANCTUARY CITIES: ‘SHOULD PAY A PRICE’
Mayor Kevin McCarty and Vice Mayor Karina Talamantes were caught on a live microphone discussing future meeting disruptions after the council chambers were cleared. (City of Sacramento)
«We can’t,» McCarty said, shaking his head. «I spent my first six months going over this. I wanted to give people, like, probation, like, you can’t come…»
Talamantes then appeared to realize the microphone was still live and quickly reached over to switch it off before continuing the conversation, according to the publicly available city council livestream reviewed by Fox News Digital.
The awkward exchange unfolded Tuesday after Sacramento City Council recessed and ordered the public removed from the chambers following repeated disruptions during a fiery debate over the city’s continued participation in a regional intelligence-sharing center.
The confrontation escalated after Talamantes defended accepting federal funding for the Central California Intelligence Center, or CCIC, arguing Sacramento’s sanctuary city policies and immigrant protections made the city better suited to oversee the grant than other jurisdictions.
«The city of Sacramento is a sanctuary city,» Talamantes said during the meeting. «If we don’t pass these dollars, other counties will apply for these dollars, they will get those dollars and we will have no safeguards to protect our immigrant communities here in Sacramento.»
Dozens of speakers had earlier urged the council to reject the agreement, arguing the intelligence center could facilitate information sharing with federal immigration authorities and undermine Sacramento’s sanctuary city policies.
Police officials repeatedly disputed those claims during the meeting, telling council members Sacramento does not share personal identifying information for civil immigration enforcement and complies with California’s sanctuary law, known as SB 54.
DHS LAWYER SAYS UCLA ‘UTTERLY FAILED’ TO STOP PROTEST CHAOS AT LAW SCHOOL APPEARANCE
Community members urged Sacramento City Council to reject continued participation in the Central California Intelligence Center during an emotional public comment session. (City of Sacramento)
As public comment grew increasingly heated, one speaker repeatedly demanded McCarty pay attention.
«Kevin, I need your f—ing eyes. Kevin, listen to me. Stop being an a–hole, dude. Listen to your f—ing constituents,» the speaker shouted.
Following Talamantes’ remarks, another round of shouting erupted inside the council chambers.
WATCH: HEARING DERAILS AS PURPLE-HAIRED DEM POINTS FINGER, SCREAMS AT CHAIR TO PUT DHS CHIEF ‘IN HIS PLACE’
«You’re a pick-me b—-,» one attendee shouted at Talamantes, while others yelled, «Shame on you.»
McCarty responded with what he described as a «final notice.»
«This is the final notice,» the mayor said. «We’re going to continue with the deliberation, and if there’s any more outbursts, we’re gonna have to ask the audience to leave.»
Seconds later, the disruptions intensified.
Council members debated continued participation in the Central California Intelligence Center during a meeting that later erupted into repeated disruptions. (City of Sacramento)
«You can’t do this behind closed f—ing doors!» one attendee shouted.
«We are the community,» another yelled.
«You represent us. You are our f—ing audience,» another voice exclaimed as council members attempted to continue the meeting.
Council officials then paused the meeting and cleared the chambers after repeated disruptions prevented deliberations from continuing.
Following the meeting, McCarty said the private conversation focused on existing meeting procedures, not new restrictions.
«Every Tuesday, Vice Mayor Talamantes and I are responsible for overseeing and ensuring transparent, accessible, and open Council meetings,» McCarty said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
«Unfortunately, when meetings are repeatedly disrupted, we must discuss existing policies and rules to ensure Council meetings remain effective, orderly, and respectful for both the residents in attendance and the Councilmembers. We are committed to ensuring that all members of the public can access and engage safely without distraction or intimidation.»
Mayor Kevin McCarty warned attendees about repeated disruptions before the council chambers were cleared and a hot-mic conversation followed. (City of Sacramento)
The Sacramento City Attorney’s Office declined to address McCarty’s reference to legal advice during the hot-mic exchange.
«The City Attorney’s Office has no comment and will not be providing comment on this matter,» the office said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The city’s published meeting rules state that members of the public receive two minutes per agenda item and may speak on no more than four items during a meeting, limits intended to help the council conduct city business.
The hot-mic exchange quickly drew criticism from some activists, who argued Talamantes appeared interested in silencing vocal opponents.
Joshua Masias, a volunteer organizer with the Sac Immigration Committee, told The Sacramento Bee the conversation showed an authoritative approach toward members of the public.
«It’s very authoritative how she wants to use her power,» Masias told the outlet. «It stuck out to me that she was the only one to try to silence the crowd.»
Resident Leanna Hunt, one of the council’s most outspoken critics, also defended the protesters’ frustration.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
«I’m fed up,» Hunt told the Bee. «It’s not even a tactic — I’m just tired of being treated like we are an audience and that the king is deigning to see us peasants today and when the peasants are unruly, the king gets upset.»
Fox News Digital reached out to Vice Mayor Talamantes’ office, Sacramento Police Department and the Sac Immigration Committee for additional comment.
local, state and local, sanctuary cities, controversies state and local, politics
INTERNACIONAL
La capital de Guatemala entra en alerta por las protestas de transportistas y posibles bloqueos este viernes 24 de julio
La capital de Guatemala se encuentra en alerta ante la expectativa de complicaciones de tránsito masivas para este viernes 24 de julio. Luego de que diversas asociaciones de transportistas, mototaxistas y taxistas urbanos anunciaran movilizaciones pacíficas y posibles bloqueos en los principales accesos a la metrópoli, impulsados por el descontento ante los constantes incrementos en los precios de los combustibles.
Las organizaciones convocantes han anunciado movilizaciones pacíficas y posibles bloqueos en puntos neurálgicos de la capital y sus alrededores.
Según datos de la Policía Municipal de Tránsito (PMT), se prevén concentraciones en arterias clave, entre ellas:
- La calzada Roosevelt, específicamente en el sector de Molino de las Flores
- La calzada Raúl Aguilar Batres
- La avenida Bolívar
- La calzada San Juan
- La avenida Petapa
Estas vías que unen la metrópoli con Mixco y municipios del sur del departamento. También se ha hablado de bloqueos en la Calle Martí, pero aún no existe confirmación oficial.
Aunque, en las redes sociales se ha compartido imágenes de bloqueos en puntos clave de todo el país, hasta ahora no se ha confirmado la veracidad de los mismos, ni los grupos que convocan.
La expectativa de una parálisis vial ha llevado a las autoridades a reforzar los protocolos de seguridad y a recomendar a la población tomar previsiones.
El Gobernador Departamental de Guatemala, Mauricio Benard, aseguró que las fuerzas de seguridad han sido notificadas de las convocatorias y que se mantiene un monitoreo constante para coordinar la respuesta institucional.
“Todo indica que sí habrá manifestaciones y nos estamos preparando con todos los protocolos que están establecidos. Lo que espero, sinceramente, es que no haya bloqueos. Esa situación sí genera una dificultad para toda la población, no para el Gobierno, no para el Presidente, no para un ministro, sino para toda la población“, manifestó Bernard.
El Gobernador reconoció que manifestarse es un derecho constitución, pero recordó que la libertad de locomoción, también lo es, por lo que ”los bloqueos es algo que está prohibido y se hará lo posible para que no se de».
El descontento de los transportistas gira en torno a los constantes aumentos en el precio del diésel y la gasolina, factores que reducen los márgenes de ganancia y presionan a los operadores a analizar un posible ajuste en las tarifas del transporte urbano.
Transportistas han recalcado que el costo de los insumos y repuestos también se ha disparado, aumentando la presión sobre el gremio y el bolsillo de los usuarios.
Por ahora, las autoridades de tránsito han recomendado a los ciudadanos que salgan con mayor anticipación hacia sus destinos, que consideren opciones como el teletrabajo cuando sea posible y que permanezcan atentos a los canales de información oficial.
Los conductores de taxi rechazaron que el precio del galón de gasolina en Guatemala supere los Q40 por su impacto en la rentabilidad del sector y anunciaron una caravana pacífica en la Ciudad de Guatemala para protestar por el alza de combustibles este viernes 24 de julio. (Redes Sociales)
Las asociaciones de transportistas han advertido sobre la posibilidad de extender las medidas si no obtienen una respuesta efectiva por parte del Organismo Ejecutivo. Exigen medidas concretas como un nuevo subsidio a los combustibles o la eliminación de tributos a los carburantes. En tanto, el presidente Bernardo Arévalo convocó a una conferencia de prensa para dar a conocer las acciones que se tomarán desde el Ejecutivo, luego de reuniones sostenidas con el Gabinete de Gobierno.
Guatemala,Bloqueos,Transportistas,Precio gasolina,Combustible,Caravana
INTERNACIONAL
Secret Service agent on JD Vance’s detail investigated for allegedly leaking operational security info
Secret Service TAKES DOWN armed man
A security breach near the White House ended with the Secret Service shooting a gunman who opened fire after being spotted on surveillance. The incident left a child wounded by the suspect’s gunfire.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A U.S. Secret Service (USSS) agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance’s security detail is being investigated over allegations of leaking sensitive information.
«A member of the Vice Presidential Protective Division is the subject of an administrative investigation, and potential criminal inquiry, involving allegations of compromising operational and information security,» Secret Service Chief of Communications Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement to Fox News.
The agency would not comment on the specifics of the case, Guglielmi said, but noted that «any conduct that potentially threatens the safety of a protectee will not be tolerated.»
TRUMP SAYS HE’S IRAN’S ‘NO. 1’ TARGET AS RENEWED CONFLICT RAISES ASSASSINATION FEARS
J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha, sit together at the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A U.S. Secret Service agent is being investigated for allegedly leaking sensitive information, the agency said. The move came amid reports that some agents have grown frustration with Vance’s last-minute trips. (Reuters)
The probe came a week after an MS Now report detailed alleged frustrations within Vance’s security detail over last-minute personal and family travel requests.
One day after the story was published, MS Now reported Vance’s office canceled a helicopter flight scheduled for his son’s golf lesson. The Trump administration said the proposed use of Marine Two — the call sign for the helicopter carrying the vice president — was for operational reasons.
«Compared to a motorcade, it drastically decreased the burden on local law enforcement and eliminated the inconvenience of road closures and disruptions to motorists along the long driving route,» the administration wrote in a statement to Fox News.
USHA VANCE MOCKS NEW YORK TIMES FOR DRAWING ‘POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE’ FROM HER PREGNANCY FASHION
A Secret Service agent watches the crowd as Vice President JD Vance speaks behind bulletproof glass during the 53rd annual March for Life rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 23, 2026. The annual pro-life demonstration, themed «Life is a Gift,» marks the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision and includes a march toward Capitol Hill. (AFP via Getty Images)
The MS Now report noted that current and former Secret Service agents pointed out that prior vice presidents «eschewed using such expensive government perks for the convenience of their children’s schedule.»
Agents said the «off-the-record» (OTR) trips sometimes force them to cancel personal plans and require them to construct security plans in a hurry.
«The detail is tired of them not giving notice on things and making everything an OTR,» a person familiar with the detail’s frustration told the news outlet. «[Vance] thinks he can still move around like a U.S. senator.»
A Vance spokesperson told Fox News the family is grateful to the Secret Service.
IRAN-BACKED PROXIES SABOTAGING LEBANON PEACE AS JD VANCE LEADS US DELEGATION TO SWITZERLAND, HERZOG SAYS
«While protecting a vice president with a large policy portfolio and a young and growing family presents a unique challenge, agents of the Secret Service do so with excellence every day,» the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, USSS Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said that all special agents understand the commitment required to serve on a protective detail.
«Our agents work tirelessly to ensure protectees’ safety and security, while also preserving normalcy to the extent possible,» Quinn told Fox News. «We are committed to supporting our personnel, which requires around-the-clock dedication and discipline. This is a job that requires absolute dedication and discipline. There is no room for compromise.»
The frustration among agents reportedly led some to create custom coins and stickers mocking the frequency of Vance’s last-minute travel, referencing the vice president’s Secret Service code name, «Bobcat.»
A member of the U.S. Secret Service stands as audience members wait for President Donald Trump to speak during the «Salute to America» Independence Day celebration on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on July 4, 2026. The nation is marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. (AFP via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Some coins reportedly read, «Bobcat OTR Survivors Club.»
The Trump administration acknowledged that last-minute trips can arise unexpectedly.
«Most past presidents and vice presidents have not had young children, and therefore the detail has not been presented with this nature of protective mandate,» the administration told Fox News.
«The Vice President is also a very active and involved Vice President, more so than recent officeholders,» the statement continued. «His unprecedented diplomatic role, for example, while critically important, has added new demands for a detail used to operating with lead times that are impossible in high-stakes diplomacy.»
jd vance, security, police and law enforcement, us
La MLS investiga a Inter Miami por el fichaje de Casemiro
El plan de La Cámpora: acumula poder con el sueño de un gobierno propio
ANSES confirmó cómo quedan las jubilaciones mínima y máxima en agosto con el nuevo aumento
California mayor’s hot mic catches candid exchange after audience sends meeting off rails
Los elogios de Ernesto Tenembaum a Davoo Xeneize, el popular streamer de fútbol: “¡Qué espectacular!”
El borrador con los detalles de la posible visita del papa León XIV a la Argentina
Escándalo Mundial: Las presiones secretas, la amenaza de la FIFA por Malvinas y la verdad detrás del partido contra España
Sin la Copa y sin Messi en el avión, vuelve Tapia y deberá enfrentar tres frentes de tormenta tras la pausa del Mundial
Samuel L. Jackson llamó a Argentina “el país más racista del mundo”: la contundente respuesta que le dejó Bárbara Lombardo
Le ganan a la inflación: los senadores pasarán a cobrar $12 millones brutos a partir de agosto
DEPORTE2 días agoEscándalo Mundial: Las presiones secretas, la amenaza de la FIFA por Malvinas y la verdad detrás del partido contra España
- POLITICA1 día ago
Jorge Berredo, general retirado de las FFAA, asumió como Secretario de Seguridad en San Isidro
- POLITICA18 horas ago
Sin la anestesia mundialista, aflora la crisis del conurbano y Milei necesita reconectar con lo popular
