Tax Day is upon us and if you still haven’t filed you’re not alone, but you’re in the minority.
The deadline to file for taxes, without a penalty, is Wednesday, April 15. And don’t think that missing the deadline gets you out of paying taxes.
Missing the tax deadline will add a penalty to any taxes owed. For those receiving money, there will be no penalty.
According to the Internal Revenue Services, more than 99 million returns had been received as of April 3, approximately two-thirds of those expected to file. If you’re in the minority of folks who haven’t filed, you still have some options.
You still have time to file and send off your taxes. There are many electronic services, such as Turbo Tax, to help taxpayers file electronically. Taxpayers can also still file by mail; the IRS considers your return filed on time if it is postmarked by April 15.
For those who are going to miss the filing deadline, you can fill out an extension request form, Form 4868. Filling out this form, and having the extension approved, will give you till Oct. 15 to file your taxes, without penalty.
This form can be filed instantly online through the IRS.gov Free File if the filer has an income below $58,000. Form 4868 can also be filed electronically through a tax preparer.
The IRS received nearly 13 million extension requests last year, with 8 million filed electronically.
Another option, for those who owe money this year, is to set up a payment plan with the IRS. One can apply for a payment plan here.
If you’re one of many that will be standing in line that the U.S. Post Office Wednesday, take advantage of Tax Day promotions and reward yourself with a half-price cheeseburger from Sonic Drive-In or buy one Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald’s and get another for only a penny.
The Turlock Post Office will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
