The clock is ticking as Tax Day approaches, but there is still time to get returns in, and the Internal Revenue Service has advice for those who haven’t filed yet.
The agency’s top tip for last-minute filers is to file electronically.
“The IRS always suggests that taxpayers file electronically because it is the safest and most accurate way to file a tax return,” said Stacy Engle, an IRS spokesperson.
Filing electronically also means receiving refunds more quickly. Engle said refunds for those who file electronically and select direct deposit have been issued in an average of fewer than 21 days this year.
For those filing on paper, the IRS warns against simply dropping returns in a mailbox, as they may not get postmarked in time. Returns must be postmarked by April 15.
“Make sure you go inside a post office and actually have them date-stamp it or postmark it right there in front of you,” Engle said.
In-person help is also available. Volunteers across New York state can assist filers with understanding credits and completing calculations.
“With some of these tax credit programs at the state and federal level, you don’t need income to qualify for those tax credits,” said Peter Gannon of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “We encourage people to come in and talk to the volunteers.”
Filers should also make sure to sign their returns before submitting them. Unsigned returns cannot be processed and will not be considered on time.
“A lot of folks are in such a hurry to throw it in the envelope and get it stamped that they forget to actually sign it,” Engle said.
Finally, the IRS advises that even those not required to file should consider doing so — they may be eligible for a refund they don’t know about. The earned income tax credit, available to workers with low to moderate income, has been claimed by 1.5 million New York residents, returning more than $4 billion to the state’s economy.
“Filing a tax return can accidentally put money in your pocket, even if you didn’t know you were due a refund,” Engle said.
For those who cannot meet Wednesday’s deadline, an extension of six months can be requested. However, filers should note that an extension to file is not an extension to pay; any taxes owed are still due on time. All taxpayers are eligible to request an automatic extension. More information is available at irs.gov.