Tax season might be behind us (hooray!), but there are still a few smart steps you can take now to wrap things up smoothly and set yourself up for success next year.

Here are five things to consider:

Save a Copy of Your Return

Keep both a digital and paper copy of your return, along with all supporting documents like W-2s, 1099s, and receipts. You’ll need these if you apply for a loan, respond to IRS questions, or want to reference past information. And while you’re at it, you might be wondering how long you need to keep all that paperwork? Check out our Records Retention for Individuals flyer.

Adjust Your Withholding or Estimated Payments

If you owed more than expected—or got a large refund—it may be time to adjust your paycheck withholding. A quick check-in now can help you avoid surprises next year. You can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to help calculate the right amount.

If you’re a Kindred tax client, we calculate the amount of estimated tax you owe. If you prepare your own taxes, you can use Form 1040-ES to figure your estimated tax.

To read more about estimated taxes, check out our blog post on the topic by clicking here.

Track Your Refund (if applicable)

Waiting on your refund? You can check the status at irs.gov/refunds or your state’s tax website (here’s the link for Kansas). Most refunds are processed within 21 days, but delays do happen.

Organize for Next Year

Now is a great time to set up a simple folder—digital or physical—to collect tax documents throughout the year. Be kind to your future self and make tax time next year much easier!

Update Beneficiaries

While you’re focused on your financial records, think about whether your beneficiary designations are up to date. These designations on your financial accounts, retirement plans, and insurance policies override your will, so keeping them current ensures that your assets will go to the right people. It’s easy to forget these in the midst of a busy life, but if you’ve had changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a loved one, double check to make sure your beneficiary elections are consistent with your wishes.