Former IRS Head on Last-Minute Tax Tips

Why It Matters

Missing the deadline or filing incorrectly can trigger penalties and prolonged IRS processing, while using unverified AI tools jeopardizes data security and accuracy, affecting both personal finances and corporate tax compliance.

Key Takeaways

• File by midnight; double‑check SSN and forms to avoid delays.
• If you owe tax, pay it now; extensions don’t postpone payment.
• Use IRS‑approved software; free options may be available for eligible filers.
• Avoid generic AI chat tools for taxes; risk data exposure and errors.
• Simple returns may work with AI, but complex filings need vetted platforms.

Summary

Former IRS Commissioner Danny Wolf appeared on a tax‑day segment to deliver urgent filing guidance as the April 15 deadline looms. He urged procrastinators not to panic but to verify critical details—social security numbers, correct forms, and accurate calculations—to prevent returns from being set aside by an understaffed agency.

Wolf explained that taxpayers who owe any amount must remit payment by midnight; filing an extension postpones paperwork only, not the bill. He highlighted the IRS’s online portal, which lists approved software providers, many offering free filing for qualifying individuals, and noted that using the Direct Pay feature automatically files the extension after payment.

When asked about AI tools, Wolf warned against generic chat‑bots like ChatGPT for tax preparation, citing data‑privacy risks and the lack of professional oversight. “If you’re opening a chat to plan a vacation and then to do your taxes, you’re on the wrong platform,” he said, emphasizing that only tax‑specific services employ accountants and peer‑reviewed algorithms.

The advice underscores that timely, accurate filing protects taxpayers from costly delays and penalties, while reliance on unvetted AI could expose sensitive information and trigger processing setbacks. For businesses and individuals alike, choosing IRS‑approved software remains the safest path to compliance on deadline day.

Original Description

Danny Werfel served as commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service from 2023 to 2025.