Recent articles highlight important updates and opportunities related to tax returns and home buying. If you missed the April 15 deadline, you can still file your 2024 taxes and claim refunds through October 15, with free help available via the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program. This program supports community organizations offering free, multilingual tax assistance, especially for low-income individuals, and can help respond to IRS or state revenue letters. Separately, guidance for the self-employed and independent earners emphasizes that buying a home in 2026 is achievable despite nontraditional income sources. Options such as bank statement loans, which rely on recent deposits instead of W-2s, are making homeownership accessible for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners. Local programs in Maryland and Anne Arundel County also provide first-time buyer grants, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education. These developments reflect a broader trend of supporting financial literacy and homeownership opportunities for diverse income earners, ensuring they can maximize refunds and secure homes despite unconventional earnings.