{"id":63765,"date":"2024-04-02T14:13:45","date_gmt":"2024-04-02T21:13:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=63765"},"modified":"2024-04-02T14:13:45","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T21:13:45","slug":"get-ahead-of-the-tax-deadline-act-now-to-file-pay-or-request-an-extension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lapost.us\/?p=63765","title":{"rendered":"Get ahead of the tax deadline; act now to file, pay or request an extension"},"content":{"rendered":"

IR-2024-88, April 02, 2024,\u00a0WASHINGTON<\/strong> \u2014 With the April 15 tax deadline approaching, the IRS reminds taxpayers there is still time file their federal income tax return electronically and request direct deposit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Filing electronically reduces tax return errors as tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. Most people qualify for electronic filing at no cost and, when they choose direct deposit, receive their refund within 21 days.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Free electronic filing options<\/strong><\/p>\n

Taxpayers with income of $79,000 or less in 2023 can use IRS Free File<\/a> guided tax software now through Oct 15. IRS Free Fillable forms<\/a>, a part of this program, is available at no cost to taxpayers of any income level and provides electronic forms for people to fill out and e-file themselves.<\/p>\n

IRS Direct File<\/a> is now open to all eligible taxpayers in 12 pilot states to decide if it is the right option for them to file their 2023 federal tax returns online, for free, directly with the IRS. Go to the\u00a0Direct File<\/a> website for more information about Direct File pilot eligibility and the 12 participating states.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Through a network of community partnerships, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)<\/a> programs offer free tax return preparation to eligible people in the community by IRS certified volunteers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MilTax<\/a>, a Department of Defense program, generally offers free return preparation and electronic filing software for federal income tax returns and up to three state income tax returns for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Use \u2018Where’s My Refund?\u2019 to check refund status<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Where’s My Refund?<\/a> tool will normally show a refund status within 24 hours after e-filing a 2023 tax return, three to four days after e-filing a 2021 or 2022 return and four weeks after filing a tax return by mail. To use the tool, taxpayers need their Social Security number, filing status and exact refund amount. Taxpayers can also check \u2018Where’s My Refund?\u2019 by downloading our free mobile app,\u00a0IRS2Go<\/a>, from an iPhone or Android device. The tool updates once a day, so people don’t need to check more often.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taxpayers that owe on their tax return <\/strong><\/p>\n

IRS reminds people they can avoid paying interest and some penalties by filing their tax return and, if they have a balance due, paying the total amount due by the tax deadline of Monday, April 15. For residents of Maine or Massachusetts, the tax deadline is Wednesday, April 17, due to Patriot\u2019s Day and Emancipation Day holidays.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Payment options for individuals to pay in full<\/strong><\/p>\n

The IRS offers various options for taxpayers who are making tax payments<\/a>:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n