If you’re trying to beat the tax deadline, there are several options for last-minute help:
* Receive a six-month extension of time to file using Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
* Payment options are available to taxpayers having trouble paying their tax bill.
* Download forms and publications at IRS.gov.
The filing extension will give you extra time to get the paperwork to the IRS, but it does not extend the time you have to pay any tax due. You have to make an accurate estimate of any tax due and pay at least 90 percent when you request an extension. You will owe interest on any amounts not paid by the April 17 deadline.
You can also e-file an extension request using tax preparation software on your own computer or by going to a tax preparer.
If your return is completed but you are unable to pay the tax due, do not request an extension. File your return on time and pay as much as you can. The IRS will send you a bill or notice for the balance due and will charge interest and penalties only on the unpaid balance.
If you cannot pay the full amount due with your return, you can ask to make monthly installment payments for the full or a partial amount. You can apply for an IRS installment agreement using our new Web-based Online Payment Agreement application on IRS.gov. This new Web-based application allows eligible taxpayers or their authorized representatives to self-qualify, apply for, and receive immediate notification of approval. You can also request an installment agreement by submitting a completed Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, either when you file the return or when you later get a bill from the IRS.
TIPS FOR LAST-MINUTE FILERS
With the tax filing deadline close at hand, here are some tips for those still working on their paper tax forms:
* Consider filing electronically instead of using paper tax forms
* Put all required Social Security numbers on the return
* Double-check your figures
* Sign your form
* Attach all required schedules
* Send your return or request an extension by the April filing deadline
Choosing to e-file your tax return instead of preparing a paper tax form is the best step you can take to ensure that your return is accurate and complete.
When you file a paper return, the numbers to check most carefully on the tax return are the identification numbers - usually Social Security numbers - for each person listed. This includes the taxpayer, spouse, dependents and persons listed in relation to claims for the Child Care or Earned Income Tax Credits. Missing, incorrect or illegible Social Security Numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.
Taxpayers filing paper returns should also double-check that they have correctly figured the refund or balance due and have used the right figure from the tax table.
Taxpayers must sign and date their returns. Both spouses must sign a joint return, even if only one had income. Anyone paid to prepare a return must also sign it.
People sending a payment should make the check out to “United States Treasury” and should enclose it with, but not attach it to, the tax return or the Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher, if used. The check should include the taxpayer’s Social Security number, daytime phone number, the tax year and the type of form filed.
By the April 17 due date, taxpayers should either file a return or request an extension of time to file. Remember, the extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.
Links:
o Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request (PDF 100K)
o Form 1040-V, Payment Voucher (PDF 47K)
o Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (PDF 50K)
o Official Payments Corporation
o Link2Gov
