How to Avoid the Surprise April Tax Bill
Stop the nasty shock — here’s how to plan ahead so you’re not writing a check you didn’t see coming.
I’m Patrick Brunk — the plain-English tax pro who helps small biz owners, freelancers, and rental owners dodge those awful “wait, I owe HOW MUCH?!” moments every April.
A big unexpected tax bill usually means you didn’t plan ahead — maybe underpaid estimates, didn’t adjust withholdings, or got blindsided by extra income. The good news? Fixing it isn’t rocket science — if you know where the leaks are.
I’ll break down the real reasons surprise tax bills happen, how to catch them early, and the smart tweaks that keep more cash in your pocket and the IRS off your back.
Never Get Blindsided Again — Plan Smart
Two big reasons:
1️⃣ Not enough taxes withheld: You switched jobs, went self-employed, or had side income — but didn’t adjust your withholdings or make estimated payments.
2️⃣ Life changes: Big raises, bonuses, selling investments, or rental income all bump your taxable income — but most people don’t plan ahead for that. By the time you file, it’s too late.
Check your tax situation at least twice a year — mid-year and again before year-end. Look at:
- Year-to-date income
- Federal and state tax withheld so far
- Any side gig or freelance income
- Any major changes (raises, property sales, crypto gains)
A quick tax check-in keeps you from underpaying without realizing it.
If you earn 1099 income, the IRS expects you to pay taxes as you go — usually quarterly. Miss those estimates, and you’ll owe the full amount at tax time, plus underpayment penalties.
I help clients calculate simple, realistic estimates so you don’t get a huge bill in April.
Absolutely — especially if you have multiple jobs, a spouse with income, or other streams like rentals or dividends. Tweaking your W-4 with your employer is one of the fastest ways to fix under-withholding. Don’t leave it for next year — fix it now.
Selling a rental, exercising stock options, big freelance projects — these all throw people off. When that money comes in, set aside a chunk immediately for taxes. Don’t spend it all — you’ll regret it come April.
I run mock returns for my clients so they know exactly how much to hold back.
If you know you’ll owe, you can make quarterly estimated payments directly to the IRS (and your state, if needed).
Do it by the deadlines (April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15) to avoid surprises and underpayment penalties.
Don’t hide from it — file on time anyway to avoid the steep “failure to file” penalty. Then set up a payment plan with the IRS. They’re more reasonable than you think — as long as you’re proactive.
The fix is simple: don’t make taxes a once-a-year event. Check in mid-year and before December.
Adjust withholdings, make smart moves like funding a SEP or Solo 401(k), and plan big life changes in advance. That’s how you stay ahead.
✅ Patrick's Bottom Line
April panic is optional — not a given.
A few smart checks during the year can save you from last-minute sticker shock, penalties, or raiding your savings to cover the gap.
📌 Want peace of mind? Book your free 30-min call — I’ll help you find the leaks, fix the plan, and stop the big ugly tax surprises before they hit.Explore Our Tax Playbook
Taxes shouldn’t feel like you need a secret decoder ring.
This library is here to break it all down — no ghosting, no jargon, no excuses.
Whether you run your own business, own rentals, got ghosted by your old CPA, or just want to stop tipping the IRS extra — pick your section, get clear answers, and fix it fast.
👉 Book your free 30-min call — I’ll help you figure out where to start, fix it right, and never ghost you.
Small Business & Self-Employed
Rental Properties & Real Estate
IRS Messes & Catch Up
Smart Tax Moves & Planning
Meet PATRICK
Discover why thousands trust Patrick to fix what big firms ignore.
Patrick built Brunk Tax Solutions to do one thing right: fix tax messes fast, with zero ghosting and real answers you can actually use. From small businesses and landlords to side hustlers and crypto investors — Patrick handles the details himself, no handoffs, no runaround.
👉 Want the truth about your taxes — and someone who’ll fix it fast? You found me.
Patrick R. Brunk, MBA, MAcc, EA
Patrick was the youngest person ever to earn an IRS Enrolled Agent license — just 20 years old — and he’s been untangling tough tax problems ever since. He’s filed thousands of complex returns, rescued frustrated clients stuck in “extension hell,” and built a reputation for honest, fast, no-surprise tax help.
When you hire Patrick, you don’t get ghosted. You get him — start to finish.
No call centers. No trainees. Just clear advice, fast action, and real results — every time.
