“4 Tax Tips Every University Student Needs to Know”

Financial Horizons: Insights for Building Wealth and Securing Your Legacy

By Dr. Jose G. Cardenas, Chief Tax Strategist at The C & R Group, LLC

College life is full of lessons—and not all of them come from textbooks. One of the most valuable skills students can learn early is how to manage their taxes. Whether you're earning from a part-time job, receiving scholarships, or navigating student loan paperwork, understanding your tax responsibilities can save you money and headaches.

Here are four essential tax tips that every university student should follow:

1. File Your Taxes as Soon as Possible to Avoid Any Penalties

Even if you think you owe nothing, filing late can still get you in trouble. The IRS doesn’t give passes just because you’re a student. Filing on time helps you avoid late fees, interest charges, or delays in getting your refund. If you're due a refund, the sooner you file, the sooner you get your money back—simple as that.

2. Complete the Right Form for What You're Filing

As a student, you may receive different forms depending on your situation:

• W-2 if you had a job
• 1098-T for tuition and education credits
• 1099 if you did freelance or gig work

Make sure you're filling out the right version of the IRS Form 1040. Choosing the wrong one can lead to errors, missed deductions, or delays in processing. If in doubt, get professional help.

3. Keep Copies of All Your Tax Documents

Tax time can feel like a paper chase—but if you’re not organized, it becomes a nightmare. Store your W-2s, 1098-Ts, 1099s, receipts, and student loan interest statements in a safe, digital folder. These documents will be needed not just this year, but for future reference, audits, or scholarship applications.

4. Talk to a Tax Professional If You Need Help

Let’s face it—taxes can be confusing. That’s especially true if you’re dealing with multiple income sources, dependents, financial aid, or self-employment income from side gigs. A tax strategist can help you:

• Determine if you’re eligible for education credits
• Clarify your dependency status
• Optimize your refund or reduce what you owe

There’s no shame in getting help. In fact, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make early in life.

Your Next Steps

Don’t let tax season catch you off guard. Be proactive:

✅ File early
✅ Stay organized
✅ Ask for help when needed

📅 Book your personalized tax strategy session today:
👉 https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/booking/T4UHUjCijCtIB3rwoTDI

🌐 Visit www.thecrgroupllc.com to learn more.

About the Author

Dr. Jose G. Cardenas is a retired U.S. Army Finance Officer and the Chief Tax Strategist at The C & R Group, LLC. With a Doctorate in Business Administration and over 20 years of experience in tax planning, financial strategy, and legacy building, Dr. Cardenas helps individuals and families make informed financial decisions and build lasting wealth.

📌 Disclosure: This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Dr. Jose G. Cardenas provides tax advisory services through The C & R Group, LLC. He may also offer financial products through his affiliation with Experior Financial Group.

#UniversityTaxTips #CollegeMoneySmart #FinancialHorizons #TheCRGroup #DrJoseCardenas #StudentTaxes #TaxSeasonReady #SmartMoneyMoves #CollegeLifeAndTaxes