If you are one of the nearly 13 million taxpayers who asked for
more time to file your federal tax return this year, the extra time is about to
expire. If you haven’t yet filed, here are some things that you should know:
·
Know the deadline. Oct. 15 is the last day to file for most people who
requested an automatic six-month extension.
·
Don’t overlook tax benefits. Make sure to check if
you qualify for tax breaks that you might miss if you
rush to file. This includes the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Saver’s Credit. The American Opportunity Tax Credit and other education tax
benefits can help you pay for college.
·
Use IRS Free File. Many people do not know that they can still e-file their
tax return for free through IRS Free File. The program is only available
on IRS.gov through Oct. 15. IRS e-file is easy, safe and the most
accurate way to file your taxes. E-file also helps you get all the tax benefits
that you’re entitled to claim.
·
Use IRS Direct Pay. If you owe taxes the best way to pay them is with IRS
Direct Pay. It’s the simple, quick and free way to pay from your
checking or savings account. Just click on the ‘Pay Your Tax Bill’ icon on the
IRS home page.
·
File on time. If you owe taxes, file on time to avoid a late filing
penalty. If you owe and can’t pay all of your taxes, pay as much as you can to
reduce interest and penalties for late payment. Use the Online Payment Agreement tool to ask for
more time to pay. You can also file Form 9465, Installment Agreement Request, with
your tax return.
·
More time for the military. Some people have more time to file. This includes members of the military and others serving
in a combat zone. If this applies to you, you typically have
until at least 180 days after you leave the combat zone to both file returns
and pay any taxes due.
·
New filing status rules may apply. New rules apply to
you if you were legally married in a state or foreign country that recognizes
same-sex marriage. You and your spouse generally must use a married filing
status on your 2013 federal tax return. This is true even if you and your
spouse now live in a place that does not recognize same-sex marriage. See IRS.gov for more information.
·
Try easy-to-use tools on IRS.gov. Use the EITC Assistant to see if you’re eligible
for the credit. Use the Interactive Tax Assistant tool to get
answers to common tax questions. The IRS Tax Map gives you a single point to
get tax law information by subject. It integrates your topic with related tax
forms, instructions and publications into one research tool.
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