With the tax
filing deadline close at hand, the IRS offers 10 tips for those still
working
on their tax returns:
1. File
Electronically Consider
filing
electronically instead of using paper tax forms. If you file
electronically and
choose to have your tax refund deposited directly into your bank
account, you
will have your money in as few as 10 days. Virtually everyone can
prepare a
return and electronically file it for free. For the second year,
the IRS and its partners are offering the option of Free File Fillable
Forms. Another option is Traditional Free File. About 98
million taxpayers – 70 percent of all taxpayers – are eligible for
the IRS Traditional Free File.
2. Check the
Identification Numbers
When filing a paper
return carefully check the identification numbers — usually Social
Security numbers — for each person listed. This includes you, your
spouse, dependents and persons listed in relation to claims for the
Child and
Dependent Care Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit. Missing, incorrect or
illegible Social Security numbers can delay or reduce a tax refund.
3. Double-Check
Your Figures If you are
filing a
paper return, you should double-check that you have correctly figured
the
refund or balance due.
4. Check the Tax
Tables If you are filing
using the Free File Fillable Forms or a paper return you should
double-check
that you have used the right figure from the tax table.
5. Sign your
form You must sign and
date your return.
Both spouses must sign a joint return, even if only one had income.
Anyone paid
to prepare a return must also sign it.
6. Mailing Your
Return Use the coded
envelope included with your tax package to mail your return. If you did
not
receive an envelope, check the section called "Where Do You File?" in
the tax instruction booklet.
7. Mailing a
Payment People sending a
payment should make
the check out to “United States Treasury” and should enclose it
with, but not attach it to the tax return or the Form 1040-V, Payment
Voucher,
if used. The check should include the Social Security number of the
person
listed first on the return, daytime phone number, the tax year and the
type of
form filed.
8. Electronic
Payments Electronic
payment
options are convenient, safe and secure methods for paying taxes. You
can
authorize an electronic funds withdrawal, or use a credit or a debit
card. For
more information on electronic payment options, visit IRS.gov.
9. Extension to
File By the April due
date, you should
either file a return or request an extension of time to file. Remember,
the
extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay.
10. IRS.gov Forms and publications and helpful
information on a variety of tax subjects are available around the clock
at
IRS.gov. You can also check the status of your refund after you file
your
return by clicking on Where’s My Refund?.
