Last-Minute Tax Questions Answered and Tips for Keeping Your Financial Documents Safe

NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Learn how to store all your important documents and get some last-minute tips for filing your taxes.

Where should you store your important financial documents? How long should you keep them? What should you do if you’re facing a tricky tax situation? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss some tips and best practices for storing documents like tax returns, bank statements, credit card bills and more, including how and when to dispose of them safely.

Then, NerdWallet tax writer Bella Avila joins Sean and Elizabeth to answer listener questions about filing taxes. They explain what you can do if you’re facing an unexpected tax bill, what you need to know if you’re working and paying taxes in multiple states, and provide guidance for those who may be behind on their taxes, including some steps to take financially and emotionally to get back on track.

NerdWallet’s list of best tax software:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/p/best/taxes/tax-software

NerdWallet’s list of best identity protection services:

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/comparing-identity-theft-protection-services

NerdWallet’s federal income tax calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/tax-calculator

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to organize financial documents, storing important documents safely, financial document storage tips, fireproof safe for documents, digital vs paper document storage, what documents to keep and for how long, how long to keep tax returns, where to store estate planning documents, best way to organize personal documents, how to file taxes, tax season 2025, tax filing deadline April 15, IRS payment plan, what to do if you owe taxes, surprise tax bill help, how to adjust tax withholding, IRS withholding estimator, tax penalty relief, first time penalty abatement, estimated tax payments, filing taxes in multiple states, state tax withholding rules, non-resident state tax return, tax filing for remote workers, state reciprocity agreements, taxes for 1099 income, how to file taxes as a freelancer, self-employed tax filing tips, tax tips for gig workers, how to track 1099 income, what happens if you don’t file taxes, how to file back taxes, emotional stress about taxes, tax anxiety help, procrastinating on taxes, getting help with past-due taxes, financial shame and how to overcome it, free tax filing options, IRS free tax help, best tax software 2025, tax counseling for the elderly, volunteer income tax assistance.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [email protected].

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