VA Tax Day: Last-Minute Filing Tips, Track Refund, Postal Hours

WASHINGTON, DC — Time is just about up for procrastinators — by Monday, April 15, residents of Washington, D.C., and Virginia must file their 2018 federal tax returns if they want to avoid a penalty from the Internal Revenue Service. Unlike previous years, when local holidays gave taxpayers a little extra time to file, the 2019 date falls squarely on April 15. That's Monday.

Only Massachusetts and Maine residents get a little extra time. The deadline in those two states is April 17 as April 15 is Patriots' Day in the two states and April 16 is Emancipation Day in Washington D.C.

Virginians are urged to e-file because it's the most secure and efficient way to submit a tax return; generally taxpayers will receive their state refunds within three business days, the IRS says.

For those who prefer to file their tax returns the old fashioned way and mail their forms to the IRS, the return must be postmarked by the filing date deadline. The federal tax return filing deadline is April 15 and the extension deadline is October 15.

Statistics from the IRS show that through the end of March, the IRS has received 1.4 percent less returns than the previous year. The New York Times reported that the IRS expects to receive more than 14.6 million extension requests in 2019.

Taxpayers can fill out IRS form 4868 to get an automatic extension of time to file their returns. However, the IRS warns that an extension to file does not mean an extension of time to pay any taxes owed.

According to the United States Postal Service, taxpayers should check the IRS website for where to mail a tax return. The destination and return address should be written clearly on the package. The USPS also says to ensure the right amount of postage is used or the package will be returned.

Some post offices have extended hours on tax day and offer late postmarking, the USPS says. Commonwealth residents can find a list of post office locations nearby by searching on the USPS website and calling a local post office to find out the hours for tax day. While searching on the USPS website, use the "refine search" option and narrow your search to 24-hour facilities or for post offices open after 5 p.m. on weekdays.

You can find the USPS' full guidance on mailing your tax returns here.

The Internal Revenue Service encourages DC and Virginia taxpayers to join the 80 percent of filers who choose Direct Deposit into a bank or other account as a secure option to get their tax refund faster. The fastest and safest way to get your refund is to combine e-file with direct deposit. The IRS issues more than nine out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

Using Direct Deposit eliminates the chance of lost, stolen or undeliverable refund checks, the agency says. The IRS uses the same system to deposit tax refunds that Social Security and Veterans Affairs use to deposit 98 percent of benefits into millions of accounts.

Choosing Direct Deposit is easy when electronically filing. A taxpayer – or their tax preparer – simply selects it as the refund method in their tax software and enters account and routing numbers. Paper filers should follow the instructions on their tax form. With either method, double check entries to avoid errors.

Taxpayers who owe should pay as much as possible to minimize interest and penalty charges. The taxpayers should visit IRS.gov/payments to explore their payment options.

Where's My Tax Refund?

The best way to check the status of your refund is to use the Where's My Refund? tool on IRS.gov. This tool gives taxpayers access to their tax return and refund status any time. All you need is internet access and three pieces of information:

• Your Social Security number
• Your filing status
• The exact whole dollar amount of the refund

Taxpayers can start checking on the status of a return within 24 hours after the IRS received an e-filed return, or four weeks after you mail a paper return. Where's My Refund? includes a tracker that displays progress through three stages: the IRS receives the tax return, then approves the refund, and sends the refund.

Where's My Refund? Updates once a day, so taxpayers don't need to check more often.

You can also track a return and refund status on your mobile devices using the free IRS2Go app. Those who file an amended return should check out the Where's My Amended Return? tool. Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days, but some may take longer. IRS phone and walk-in representatives can research the status of refunds only if it's been 21 days or more since a taxpayer filed electronically, or more than six weeks since they mailed a paper return.

• IRS Free File.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.
• Commercial tax preparation software.
• Tax professional.

Before you file, the IRS has these tips to help you.

• Gather your records. Make sure you have all your tax records. This includes receipts, canceled checks and other records that support income, deductions or tax credits that you claim. If you purchased health insurance through the Marketplace, you will need the information in Form 1095-A to file.
• Report all your income. You will need to report your income from all of your Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, Forms 1099 and any other income – even if you don't receive a statement – when you file your tax return.
• Try IRS e-file. Electronic filing is the best way to file a tax return. It's accurate, safe and easy. If you owe taxes, you have the option to e-file early and pay by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
• Review your return. Mistakes slow down your tax refund. If you file a paper return, be sure to check all Social Security numbers. That's one of the most common errors.
• Visit IRS.gov. The website has forms and other info you need to file your tax return. Click on the "Filing" icon for links to filing tips, answers to frequently asked questions and IRS forms and publications. The IRS has many online tools on IRS.gov to help you file and answer your tax questions. The tool gives the same answers that an IRS representative would give over the phone.