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As the April 15th Deadline rapidly approaches, there are still hundreds of thousands of taxpayers expected to file the final week of the tax season. The late start to the tax season and the fact that we are getting reports from clients that they still have not received all their tax documentation in order to file is making this last minute crunch even more magnified. Here are some last minuted tax-tips (even if you’ve filed already)
1) IRS E-mails: If you’ve received an email from the IRS relating to your refund or requesting taxpayer information, DON’T REPLY! This is a common scam that thieves use to steal your identity. Don’t even open the email if you can avoid doing so as some of these emails contain viruses or malware. The IRS never initiates contact via E-mail. If the IRS needs information from a taxpayer, they will send a formal notification via USPS mail on official letter head. If you receive any suspicious communications you believe are scams via email, forward them to phishing@irs.gov.
2) April 15th Deadline: Many taxpayers don’t realize that the deadline for filing a tax return only applies to those that owe money to the government. If you are due a refund the IRS allows you 4 years to file. It is always best to file and receive your refund the year you are due it, as the IRS does not pay interest. So, if you believe you are due a refund and you haven’t filed, have no fear, you’ve got plenty of time. No need to wait on line to file before the deadline. R&G Brenner has offices open after the tax season and throughout the year. Even if you file a day after the deadline, you should have no wait time to see a professional.
3) Filing Extensions: As stated above, if you are due a refund, you have 4 years to file your tax return and there is no need to file an extension. However, if you believe you will owe the IRS/State(s) and have not received all of your tax documents or you are simply not ready to file, you should consider filing an extension. Nevertheless, an extension for filing your tax return does not automatically grant you an extension to pay your taxes; the IRS still expects to be paid before the deadline. If you cannot pay all that is due, simply send what you can. The IRS will charge you interest on the balance due and you can set up a payment plan if you wish. If you do not pay, not only with the IRS charge interest but also a late filing penalty. The more money you owe, the steeper the penalty will be. So, file on time, or file an extension.
4) File Yourself or Use A Tax Pro?: The tax code is very complicated and littered with special credits & deductions. Unless you are filing a very simple return, it is almost never a good idea to file your own taxes. Simply put, even in this day and age, a computer questionnaire is not an adequate replacement for a professional. Check out the True Cost of Doing Your Own Taxes. On average, refunds using a Tax-Pro are $347-$841 HIGHER than Do-It-Yourself programs. The time you save is just as valuable–if not more so–that the money you’d spend on a professional.
If you need help with any of the above, contact an R&G Brenner Tax Professional today, or call us toll free at (888) APRIL-15.