Tax Deadline Is Just Days Away

Time is running out to file those federal income taxes.

Federal taxes this year are due on Monday, April 18 because of the Emancipation Day holiday falling on Friday, April 15 in Washington, D.C.

Internal Revenue Service Spokesman Mark Green said that with only days left to file, now is the time to get started.

“Gather your documents,” said Green. “Get your W-2’s together, your 1099 statements. If you purchased health insurance, make sure you get the form 1095-A. That should have already been sent to you by now. With that information, you can sit down and begin to prepare your return.”

Green said that the IRS urges people to file electronically if they have not filed their returns yet.

He said there are multiple reasons that e-filing is better.

“Not only is it fast, safe, and accurate, but at this point, you want to make sure that the Internal Revenue Service has your W-2 and your tax documents, as well as your tax return. We will notify you within 24 to 48 hours, once you hit send on your software package program, that we have received the return.”

Meanwhile, Green said the most important thing to remember is that no matter what, people need to file something in the next week.

“File a tax return or request an extension,” said Green. “That will prevent you from incurring failure to file penalties and interest.”

Green said that a filing extension is not an extension to pay any taxes that are owed.

He said that taxpayers who owe money to the IRS and cannot pay the entire amount should contact the agency to work something out.

“You can always set up an installment agreement,” said Green. “Visit our website at irs.gov or give us a call and we will work with you to satisfy the debt.”

Green also urged people to watch out for tax scams, which he said are particularly bad this year.

For more information on tax related questions, call 1-800-829-1040 or go online to www.irs.gov.