How To Request A Tax- Filing Extension; Last-Minute Advice: TAX DAY

It's almost that time of the year. Tax Day. And although April 15 has already come and gone, taxpayers gained a few extra days this year to get their 2016 returns filed, thanks to Emancipation Day. The deadline to file this year is Tuesday, April 18.

For all the procrastinators out there who still haven't completed their taxes, the IRS says the best thing to do at this point is to file electronically. Or, you can file an extension. (Scroll down for more on that.)

"The IRS encourages taxpayers to file electronically," the Internal Revenue Service says. "Doing so, whether through e-file or IRS Free File, vastly reduces tax return errors, as the tax software does the calculations, flags common errors and prompts taxpayers for missing information. And best of all, there is a free option for everyone."

Here's some advice from the IRS for last-minute filers to keep in mind:

• If you are filing a paper return, be sure to double check all your math. The IRS says math errors are very common, which can delay a possible refund.
• Fill in all requested Taxpayer Identification Numbers, usually Social Security numbers, including all dependents claimed. Check only one filing status and the appropriate exemption boxes.
• When using the tax tables, be sure to use the correct row and column for the filing status claimed and taxable income amount shown.
• Sign and date the return. If filing a joint return, both spouses must sign.
• Mail the return to the right address. Check Where to File on IRS.gov or the last page of the tax instructions. If mailing on Tuesday, April 18, be sure to do so early enough to meet the scheduled pickup time and ensure a postmark before the midnight deadline.

How To File A Tax Extension With The IRS

If you simply would rather wait to file your tax return, you can still request an extension. Remember, though, that the extension only grants additional time to file. It does not extend the time to pay any taxes you may owe the government. In order to avoid penalty and interest charges, April 18 is still the deadline to pay anything owed.

Here are three ways in which you can request an extension:

• Taxpayers can file a paper Form 4868 and mail it in— There's an address listed on page 4 of "Application for Extension of Time To File U.S. Income Tax Return."
• Use the Free File link on IRS.gov to e-file Form 4868 — The IRS says you can use any of the software companies listed here to prepare and e-file an extension for free.
• Pay now, file later — Designate a payment as an extension payment and make it via one of the IRS electronic payment methods, including IRS Direct Pay. "You don’t need to file Form 4868 if you make a payment using our electronic payment options," the IRS says. "Your extension will be automatically processed when you pay part or all of your estimated income tax electronically."

For additional help and resources, check out the IRS Services Guide.

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