Final day to file your taxes: What you need to know
News 11's Adonis Albright speaks with the IRS about the tax filing deadline
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Monday, May 17 is the last and final day to file your tax returns. The original deadline got pushed back by one month by the Biden administration due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) wants the public to know that if you still haven't gotten around to filing your taxes, not to delay.
There is a form on the IRS website to fill out if you need extra time to file.
“If people do need an extension of time to file, they can do so automatically and get an extension to file until October 15, and that’s usually just by filing a form 48-68 or they can also do it if they’re using tax software", said David Tucker II, who serves as Media Relations with the IRS.
However, it's important to note that filing an extension doesn't give you more time to pay your taxes, but will instead give you until October 15 to get them filed. You will still need to determine your tax liability and pay the amount either in full, or in payments.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, there are also individuals who will be filing tax returns on behalf of their deceased family members. The process is slightly different than filing your own taxes, according to Tucker.
“You should make sure you have documentation of all the different information that’s being included in that tax return, because that way if there’s any questions that arise then they can certainly - you want to have documentation that authenticates whatever credits or deductions and information that was provided on there.”
The IRS website also contains a directory of different tax preparers with their credentials listed. Tucker suggests if you need some extra help to get those last-minute taxes filed, to consider using a paid tax preparation service.
"We have a directory they can look up the local paid tax preparers within their area, so that’s another resource if they need to have someone actually help walk them through the process of filing their taxes, especially if they’re doing it for someone else."
The fastest way to receive your tax refund, according to the IRS, is to provide your bank information for direct deposit. The agency provides 24/7 service both online and over the phone for any questions regarding taxes.
