April 15th. Is there a day that makes American groan more? Yep, it is the annual tax filing deadline. Oh, the fun. If you have been procrastinating on your return, here is what you need to know.
The good news is you have a few extra days to file in 2007. The tax code is based on business days. Any deadline that falls on a weekend is automatically bumped to the following Monday. That is the case this year, so you have to the 17th to file.
Preparing tax returns is a complex matter. If you don’t believe me, just try reading one set of instructions kicked out by the IRS. Instead of doing a sloppy preparation, you might want to get more time. 4868 is the form you need to file.
The good news for extension filers is two fold. First, the extension is granted automatically. Second, the period has been extended from three months to six months. This longer period, however, also means the IRS is unlike to grant a second extension.
While the IRS is pretty liberal when it comes to filing returns, the agency has a different attitude towards payments. Yes, you can have more time to file the return, but you better pay whatever you owe now or you will pay penalties and interest. Send in money with the extension.
The tax filing deadline can come at a bad time for many people. You might be ready to file, but do not have the money to pay the amount due. What should you do?
If this occurs, your first option is the Ostrich strategy. You can just stick your head in the sand and not file until you have enough money to pay the bill. The problem, of course, is the IRS is going to notice. You will also pay more in penalties and interest.
If you are ready to file, but short on cash, go ahead and file. Send in what you can even if it is less than you owe. The IRS will send you a notice of shortfall. You can then request a payment plan.
Filing even if you can’t pay is smart for a few reasons. First, you don’t send up red flags at the IRS. Second, you will ultimately pay less then not filing. You will still pay penalties and interest on what you owe, but the amount will be less because you made at least a partial payment.
If you are ready to pay your tax liability, there are a couple of ways. You can pay by check as has always been the case. You can also pay by credit card by going to officialpayment[dot]com. You will pay a service fee for using the online system.
Many people are happy to learn they are actually due a refund on their taxes. If you fall into this group, you might want to know when the heavenly money will be coming. Visit the site for the IRS and follow the link on the home page.
Filing taxes is one of those things we all tend to put off until the last moment. Well, the last moment is here!