So You Missed the Deadline — Now What?

RLS Professional Services
Apr 14
2 min read

If tax season got away from you, you’re not alone. Every year, we work with families and business owners who file a little late — and it’s totally fixable. The key is knowing your next step.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Late Doesn’t Mean Over — But Don’t Wait Too Long

The IRS deadline was April 15. If you haven’t filed yet and you owe taxes, penalties and interest may already be adding up. If you’re getting a refund, though, there’s no penalty — but you won’t see that money until you file.

Either way, the sooner you act, the better off you’ll be.

2. Skip the “Fast Fix” Services

Now’s when a lot of generic tax services start offering quick, cheap solutions — but filing late doesn’t mean you should file sloppy.

Before you trust anyone with your taxes, make sure they’re either a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or an IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) — both are licensed to represent you before the IRS and are held to strict ethical and accuracy standards.

RLS is backed by certified tax professionals — including CPAs and IRS-authorized Enrolled Agents — because we believe accuracy, compliance, and peace of mind should never be optional.

If you’re working with someone outside of RLS, be sure they’re properly certified — a mistake on your return could lead to serious financial consequences, or in some cases, even jail time.

👉 You can check if a tax preparer is enrolled with the IRS using this tool:https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf