Taxes help make life in one of the greatest countries of the world possible. They support the services and systems we rely on every day, like public schools, parks, roads, highways, and public transportation. They also help fund the men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

Filing a federal tax return can also benefit you personally, as you can receive money back through a refund or tax credits. While paying taxes may not be anyone’s favorite task, it can bring real advantages. A tax return provides official proof of income, which can be important when applying to rent a home, buy a car, or get a loan. Also, your Social Security benefits are based on your work history. Filing tax returns, especially if you’re self-employed, ensures that your earnings are properly recorded, providing peace of mind and reducing stress later on.

In most cases, you have up to three years to file and claim a refund due to you.

For those working their way through the prisoner re-entry program who want to get back on track with their taxes (and others), watch this video for valuable tips on topics ranging from key tax credits and understanding your tax forms, to avoiding tax scams and what to do if you owe back taxes.