The Internal Revenue Service today reminded
taxpayers that the Oct. 15 deadline remains in effect for people who requested
a six-month extension to file their tax return.
The current lapse in federal appropriations does
not affect the federal tax law, and all taxpayers should continue to meet their
tax obligations as normal. Individuals and businesses should keep filing their
tax returns and making deposits with the IRS, as required by law.
Many of the more than 12 million individuals who
requested an automatic six-month extension earlier this year have yet to file
their Form 1040 for 2012.
Though Oct. 15 is the last day for most people to
file, some groups still have more time, including members of the military and
others serving in Afghanistan or other combat zone localities who typically
have until at least 180 days after they leave the combat zone to both file
returns and pay any taxes due. People with extensions in parts of Colorado affected by severe storms,
flooding, landslides and mudslides also have more time, until Dec. 2, 2013, to
file and pay.
The IRS offered several reminders for taxpayers
during the current appropriations lapse:
Taxpayers are encouraged to file their returns
electronically using IRS e-file or the Free File system to reduce the chance of
errors.
Taxpayers can file their tax returns
electronically or on paper. Payments accompanying paper and e-filed tax
returns will be accepted and processed as the IRS receives them. Tax
refunds will not be issued until normal government operations resume.
IRS operations are limited during the appropriations lapse, with live assistors on the phones and at Taxpayer Assistance Centers unavailable. However, IRS.gov and most automated toll-free telephone applications remain operational.
IRS operations are limited during the appropriations lapse, with live assistors on the phones and at Taxpayer Assistance Centers unavailable. However, IRS.gov and most automated toll-free telephone applications remain operational.
Tax software companies, tax practitioners and Free
File remain available to assist with taxes during this period.
Check Out Tax Benefits
Before filing, the IRS encourages taxpayers to
take a moment to see if they qualify for these and other often-overlooked credits and deductions:
Benefits for low-and moderate-income workers and
families, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit. Give us a call so we can help see if you are eligible.
Savers credit, claimed on Form 8880, for low-and moderate-income workers who contributed to a retirement plan, such as an IRA or 401(k).
American Opportunity Tax Credit, claimed on Form 8863, and other education tax benefits for
parents and college students.
Same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions
that recognize their marriages, are now treated as married, regardless of where
they live. This applies to any return, including 2012 returns, filed on or
after Sept. 16, 2013. This means that they generally must file their returns
using either the married filing jointly or married filing separately filing
status. Further details are on IRS.gov.
E-file Now: It’s Fast, Easy and Often Free
The IRS urged taxpayers to choose the speed and
convenience of electronic filing. IRS e-file is fast, accurate and secure,
making it an ideal option for those rushing to meet the Oct. 15 deadline. The
tax agency verifies receipt of an e-filed return, and people who file
electronically make fewer mistakes too.
Everyone can use Free File, either the brand-name
software, offered by IRS’ commercial partners to individuals and families with
incomes of $57,000 or less, or online fillable forms, the electronic version of
IRS paper forms available to taxpayers at all income levels.
We are more than happy to file our clients’ returns electronically. Anyone expecting a refund can get it sooner by
choosing direct deposit. Taxpayers can choose to have their refunds deposited
into as many as three accounts. Of the nearly 141.6 million returns received by
the IRS so far this year, 83.5 percent or just over 118.2 million have been
e-filed.
Payment Options
Taxpayers can e-pay what they owe, either online
or by phone, through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS),
by electronic funds withdrawal
or with a credit or debit card. Security Tax Services can help make payments on individual and business accounts. There is
no IRS fee for any of these services, but for debit and credit card payments
only, the private-sector card processors do charge a convenience fee. For those
who itemize their deductions, these fees can be claimed on next year’s Schedule A Line 23. Those who
choose to pay by check or money order should make the payment out to the
“United States Treasury”.
Taxpayers with extensions should file their
returns by Oct. 15, even if they can’t pay the full amount due. Doing so will
avoid the late-filing penalty, normally five percent per month, that would
otherwise apply to any unpaid balance after Oct. 15. However, interest,
currently at the rate of 3 percent per year compounded daily, and late-payment
penalties, normally 0.5 percent per month, will continue to accrue.
Fresh Start for Struggling Taxpayers
In many cases, those struggling to pay taxesqualify for one of several relief programs. Most people can set up a paymentagreement with the IRS through our firm. Taxpayers can choose this option even if they have
not yet received a bill or notice from the IRS.
Alternatively, some struggling taxpayers qualify
for an offer-in-compromise. This is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS
that settles the taxpayer’s tax liabilities for less than the full amount owed.
Generally, an offer will not be accepted if the IRS believes the liability can
be paid in full as a lump sum or through a payment agreement. The IRS looks at
the taxpayer’s income and assets to make a determination regarding the
taxpayer’s ability to pay. Our firm has been helping tax payers set up successful offer-in-compromise negotiations for over 20 years, the key is to determine the least amount that the IRS will accept from you before you make the offer. Let us take the headache out of doing it yourself. If done correctly your debt may be settled for only 5-15% of what you presently owe.
Questions? Don't hesitate to call us. We're here to help!
North Sound South Sound
2802 Wetmore Ave, Suite 212 33530 1st Way S, Suite 102
Everett, WA 98201 Federal Way, WA 98003
425.339.2400 253.237.0751
fax 425.259.1099 fax 253.237.0701
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