Can't Make Today's Tax Filing Deadline? File an Extension

It's that time of year again.  Tax time.  Have you filed your taxes yet?  No?

The traditional April 15 deadline has been changed to today, Monday, April 18. That means your taxes must be completed and submitted to the government with a postmark of April 18. And since the two Manassas post office locations are not extending business hours today, you might need to file an extension.

A great aid in filing an extension is the Internal Revenue Service website, IRS.gov.  All the forms you need are right at your fingertips and the IRS has provided tips to aid in the completion of an extension.

So if filing your taxes by the end of the business day today sounds impossible, alleviate stress by filing for an extension.  This can be done for free.  All that's needed are  W-2 forms, any 1099's, the tax return from last year and any other pertinent information that's normally submitted when filing a return.

It is important to file either a return or an extension before Monday's deadline. The IRS website states clearly outlines the adverse effects  of not paying taxes in a timely manner.

"If taxes are not paid, and no effort is made to pay them, the IRS can ask a taxpayer to take action to pay the taxes, such as selling or mortgaging any assets owned or getting a loan." according to the website. "If effort is still not made to pay the bill, or make other payment arrangements, the IRS could also take more serious enforced collection action, such as levying bank accounts, wages, or other income, or taking other assets. A Notice of Federal Tax Lien could be filed that may have a detrimental effect on a taxpayer’s credit standing."

If help is needed when filing a return or extension, IRS officials are available by phone.  Live assistance is provided Monday through Friday.  There is also a 24-hour recorded assistance line available.