Tax Day is almost here. The deadline to submit your tax form is midnight Wednesday. Before filing the form you must consider certain factors to avoid delays in repayment or payment.
The recommendations of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are:
- File your return electronically: This tool, either via e-file or Free File IRS, reduces a number of errors, as the tax software does the calculations and alerts on what you need. Best of all it's free.
- Mail the form to the correct address: Anyone who uses the mail to file their taxes should go to IRS.gov or look at the instructions on the form to see the proper direction to avoid delays in processing.
- Take a look at the tax tables when calculating your taxes using the tables taxpayers should consult to ensure the correct column for marital status is claimed.
- Clearly complete all information requested by placing your data such as Social Security numbers. Take your time to check them again and again until you are sure.
- Check all amounts. While there are fewer errors in electronic statements, mathematical errors remain common on paper statements. Check it twice.
- Get the correct routing and account numbers. Requesting direct deposit of your federal refund in one, two or even three accounts is convenient and allows you access to your money faster. Make sure that the routing number of the financial institution and account numbers that are placed in the declaration are correct. Incorrect numbers can cause a refund to be delayed or deposited into the wrong account.
- Sign and date the return. If filing jointly, both spouses must sign and date. The electronically submitted return through e-file can be signed using self-selected personal identification numbers.
- Attach all required forms. If you file on paper you must attach the W-2 forms and other documents reflecting withholding taxes. If you request a payment agreement with the IRS, also attach Form 9465 (SP).
- Keep a copy of the statement. Once the declaration is ready to be filed, taxpayers should make a copy of your signed declaration and all attachments for their records.
- Request an extension to file. Taxpayers who cannot meet the deadline of April 15 must request an extension to avoid late payment charges. You can use Free File or Form 4868.
