With just two weeks until this year’s tax deadline, the IRS is offering some quick, simple filing tips for taxpayers.
For starters, the IRS reminds those who have yet to file their taxes that the tax deadline this year is Tuesday, April 17, not April 15. They also encourage people to visit the IRS website – irs.gov – to download, file and read tax forms, and find answers to frequently asked filing questions.
Another tip: E-file taxes online as a convenient and speedy option. The IRS says nearly 80-percent of all returns are now filed electronically.
The IRS suggests preparing a paperless tax return and choosing direct deposit for refunds.
Additionally, they remind taxpayers to avoid common mistakes on returns, including incorrect Social Security numbers, mathematical errors or not signing the paperwork.
Also, for those who owe money to the IRS but are struggling to pay the amount, the IRS offers online installment agreements. The IRS encourages taxpayers to file their return, pay some of what’s owed and then contact the agency about their situation.
Taxpayers should check into free tax prep services too, which are available at hundreds of Southern California and Nevada VITA sites through April 17 for qualifying taxpayers, according to the IRS.
Other important tips: Avoid tax filing scams that seem too good to be true and claim all deductions and/or tax credits that you’re eligible for to lower that tax bill.
Finally, those who need more time to file should submit Form 4868 -- Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual income Tax Return -- to the IRS electronically or by paper no later than April 17, 2012.
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