MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - As the April 15 tax deadline creeps closer, many Middle Tennesseans are just now gathering their paperwork—and they’ll find a few surprises waiting this year. According to the IRS, roughly one in four Americans waits until the final weeks to file. For those in Rutherford County, attorney Maria Brockmeyer with the Legal Aid Society says this season brings some of the biggest changes in years.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, combined with several new executive orders, has reshaped how many residents will file. Service industry workers can now deduct up to $12,500 in tips ($25,000 for joint filers), and overtime pay above the regular hourly rate can also be deducted up to the same amount. “That’s a big relief for folks who rely on tips or extra hours to make ends meet,” Brockmeyer said.

Gig workers get a break too. The IRS has reinstated its “20/200” threshold—meaning online sellers and freelancers only report income exceeding $20,000 or 200 transactions. While that may simplify things, Brockmeyer cautions that it could also confuse part-time earners who still need to file even if they don’t receive a 1099-K form.

For seniors, there’s an enhanced deduction—an extra $6,000 on top of the usual senior standard deduction. And those expecting refund checks should brace for delays: paper refunds may take up to 10 weeks, as the IRS phases out checks in favor of direct deposit.

One of the more unusual additions this year is the creation of “Trump Accounts,” new retirement accounts for U.S. citizens born between 2025 and 2028. Each eligible child receives a $1,000 federal deposit, with parents allowed to contribute up to $5,000 annually.

If you’ve got an unclaimed refund from a previous year, April 15 is also your last chance to file or amend returns from 2022.

Murfreesboro’s Legal Aid Society office is located at 526 N. Walnut Street. It offers free assistance through the Tennessee Taxpayer Project for qualifying low-income residents. The IRS’s VITA and TCE programs also provide free tax prep help—call 800‑906‑9887 or 888‑227‑7669 for details.

With just days left before the deadline, Brockmeyer’s advice is simple: “Don’t wait. File early, double-check your deductions, and reach out for help if you need it.”