CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Believe it or not, it’s time to file your taxes again.
WCNC Charlotte is helping you get ahead before you file so you’re not left asking, where's the money?
The IRS officially starts accepting tax returns Jan. 29.
Chief tax information officer with Jackson Hewitt Mark Steber said three-out-of-four taxpayers will probably get a refund this year.
To let us know how WCNC Charlotte can help you get ahead in 2024, email us at newstips@wcnc.com.
“So if you file your taxes early, you get your money early," Steber said. "It's pretty simple math."
He said filing early can also protect you from hackers.
“There's so many bad people out there stealing data, buying it on the dark web [and] data breaches," he explained. "If you file your taxes early, and lock up your data for yourself, your spouse, or dependents, some bad person can't swoop in front of you, file a tax return, and steal your refund."
And if you’re worried you might owe this year, Steber said you should still file early. In fact, you don’t actually have to pay until the April 15 deadline.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
"If you owe, no harm, no foul, you don't have to write that check," he said. "You don't have to charge that credit card, you don't have to pull it out of your checking savings account until midnight or by midnight on April 15 tax day."
Steber said if you choose to do your taxes yourself this year, you should still have a competent tax pro in your contact list that you can bounce ideas off of.
“We love sharing information ... and then, one day, if you do have a complicated situation, then you can easily move on over there and make an appointment," he said.
Steber said everyone should set up a direct deposit when filing taxes. He said not only is it faster, it’s also safer.
WCNC Charlotte's Where's The Money series is all about leveling the playing field in the Carolinas by helping others and breaking down barriers. WCNC Charlotte doesn't want our viewers to be taken advantage of, so we’re here to help. Watch previous stories where we ask the question “Where’s the Money” in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.